A POSITIVE SURPRISE!

I went to Court this morning tense and somewhat depressed, with the disqualification declarations for Judge Goodman in my hand...

I got to court, and a positive surprise was waiting there for me - Judge Goodman recused himself yesterday, October 3, 2007! Judge Goodman's Minute Order of 10/3/07 stated:ג

"Upon review of the file...the Court determines.... Review of the accompanying supporting arguments reveals that defendant's Motion for Sanctions is predicated in large part upon matters which would require consideration of defendant's contentions [whether meritorious or not] concerning the alleged role of Countrywide in a real estate transaction which is alleged to be central to the claim in this case..."

"This Court may not make that inquiry as it has a longstanding close personal relationship with the General Counsel of Countrywide and a person aware of the facts might reasonably entertain a doubt that the Court would be able to be impartial. Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1(a)(6)(A)(iii). This Court must and does recuse itself."

I thank Judge Goodman for his courage and his integrity!