WHATCOM VIEW: Judges must recognize own prejudices to follow the law

Being a judge is a complex business. We are expected to apply the law in an objective, fair manner without regard to our personal biases. We are expected to be the "best of" our profession of lawyers, scrupulously ethical and technically perfect, able to make tough decisions quickly and carefully. Judges are entrusted with the public's confidence. Whether we sit on a state, federal or tribal trial or appellate bench, we accept that privilege with the reverence it deserves.