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Letters

Mar. 12, 2025

SF DA's blanket disqualification of Judge Tong undermines judicial independence

The San Francisco District Attorney's blanket disqualification of Judge Michelle Tong raises concerns about eroding judicial autonomy and lacks justification, overlooking important ethical and legal context.

Ellen L. Chaitin

Judge (ret.)

Assigned Judges Program

I am writing to express concerns about your article titled "SF DA disqualifies judge in 1st week on criminal court, cites record" regarding the San Francisco District Attorney's blanket disqualification of Judge Michelle Tong. 

Blanket challenges against judges undermine the independence of the judiciary, particularly when the judge has yet to hear a case. This issue is currently before the ...

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