Charles A. Perkins v. Robert Lecureux

While I concur in the conclusion reached by the majority, I write separately to explain that there is another important principle at stake in this case — the constitutional right to equal protection of the laws. The majority opinion emphasizes that it is an historical rule that a judge may not impeach his or her judicial determinations. Nevertheless, this rule of judicial finality must not be construed as always precluding relief from a claim brought under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

In the instant case, Judge Del Rio’s statement, when considered in its full…