State v. Jacobson

MARING, Justice.

[¶ 1] Michael Jacobson appeals a district court criminal judgment. Jacobson was convicted of assault following a bench trial over which the Honorable Bruce B. Haskell presided. At trial, Judge Haskell disclosed to the parties that he was socially acquainted with a physician, Dr. Charles Allen, who was going to be a witness at trial, and that he would be inclined to believe Dr. Allen’s testimony. The parties agreed to proceed with the bench trial despite Judge Haskell’s familiarity with Dr. Allen. Jacobson argues that Judge Haskell committed reversible error by failing to…