Opinion
8:20-cv-679-JLB-AAS
04-11-2023
GOODLOE MARINE, INC., Plaintiff, v. B.C. TOWING, INC., CAILLOU ISLAND TOWING COMPANY, INC., Defendants, CAILLOU ISLAND TOWING COMPANY, INC., Counterclaimant, v. GOODLOE MARINE, INC., Counter-defendant, CAILLOU ISLAND TOWING COMPANY, INC., Third-Party Plaintiff, v. RJA LIMITED, Third-Party Defendant.
ORDER
AMANDA ARNOLD SANSONE UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Under 28 U.S.C. § 455, a judge shall disqualify herself in any proceeding in which her impartiality might reasonably be questioned and where the judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 455(a) & (b)(1). When the proper grounds exist, a judge has an affirmative and self-enforcing obligation to recuse herself sua sponte. United States v. Kelly, 888 F.2d 732, 744 (11th Cir. 1989). Here, the undersigned oversaw a settlement conference between the parties. (Doc. 207). During the settlement conference, at which the parties reached an impasse, the undersigned became privy to confidential information, thus warranting recusal. 28 U.S.C. § 455(b)(1). Based on the foregoing, the Clerk is directed to reassign this case to another magistrate judge by random draw and to provide notice to the parties of the newly designated magistrate judge.
ORDERED.