Joachim v. Chambers

The primary issue presented here is whether a retired judge who sits only by assignment may testify as an expert witness concerning court procedures in a case in which he is not sitting. The court answers this question in the negative. The court holds that: Canon 2 of the Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits defendants from calling a judge as an expert witness; allowing Judge Blanton to testify would cause further injury to the relators’ counsel's relationship with Judge Blanton; and the appearance of impropriety and partiality cannot be remedied by appeal.

While there is much in the court’s…