In re Disqualification of Batchelor, 991 N.E.2d 242

Affidavit of disqualification filed under R.C. 2701.03 to disqualify Judge Batchelor from three Coshocton County cases.
Batchelor previously prosecuted Smith in unrelated cases as Coshocton County prosecutor.
Smith alleges prior prosecution shows bias and requires disqualification.
Judge Batchelor acknowledges prior prosecutions but denies bias and commitment to impartiality.
Rule Jud.Cond.R. 2.11(A)(7)(b) does not mandate automatic disqualification where the judge did not participate in the underlying matters.
Ohio precedent supports presumption of impartiality absent evidence of prejudgment or bias.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether prior prosecution requires disqualification	Smith argues prior prosecution shows bias.	Batchelor argues no automatic disqualification; no substantial participation in current cases.	No automatic disqualification; no bias shown.
Whether bias or prejudice exists to mandate disqualification	Smith asserts hostility or fixed anticipatory judgment.	Batchelor contends absence of prejudgment or bias.	Bias not demonstrated; disqualification denied.

In re Disqualification Hedric, 127 Ohio St.3d 1227 (Ohio Supreme Court, 2009) (judge not disqualified where not involved in underlying action; prior prosecution alone not per se disqualifying)
In re Disqualification George, 100 Ohio St.3d 1241 (Ohio Supreme Court, 2003) (extraordinary remedy; appearance of bias must be compelling to overcome presumptions)
In re Disqualification O’Neill, 100 Ohio St.3d 1232 (Ohio Supreme Court, 2002) (bias must be shown; speculation insufficient)
Jenkins v. Bordenkircher, 611 F.2d 162 (6th Cir., 1979) (no per se rule that prior contact requires disqualification)
Commonwealth v. Darush, 501 Pa. 15, 459 A.2d 727 (Pa. 1983) (describes bias standard for disqualification; prior prosecutorial participation not per se disqualifying)