Conservative Brief reported that Judge Arthur Engoron is under investigation for allegedly engaging in a prohibited conversation with a real estate lawyer regarding the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump before ruling on the case.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct examines this interaction after claims that it could have influenced Engoron's $454 million judgment against Trump.
Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over Trump's civil fraud trial, is the subject of an investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The inquiry concerns an alleged discussion between Engoron and real estate attorney Adam Leitman Bailey before Engoron rules on the case.
Bailey admitted to discussing the case with Judge Engoron a few weeks before the judgment. Bailey explained that he shared his perspective on a critical legal issue and its potential economic impact on New York.
Bailey's self-disclosed conversation with Engoron occurred in the courthouse, where Bailey felt compelled to communicate his views directly to the judge. He described the conversation as ensuring the judge understood his concerns.
The discussion raised alarms because rules prohibit judges from having such conversations without notifying all involved parties. These rules aim to preserve the integrity and impartiality of judicial proceedings.
Engoron’s spokesman has denied any improper communication. The spokesman stated that Engoron's decision was made independently and was uninfluenced by outside discussions.
Engoron's judgment in September 2022, initiated by a lawsuit from Democratic Attorney General Letitia James of New York, found Trump liable for exaggerating real estate values. These actions were allegedly to secure loans improperly.
Bailey recounted the interaction in February, highlighting Engoron's interest in specific legal and economic impacts. This has put Bailey’s actions under scrutiny, as ex-parte communications without all parties are against conduct rules.
Robert H. Tembeckjian, Commission Administrator, stated that they are restricted from commenting due to confidentiality statutes. Despite this, the investigation continues as concerns about the integrity of the judicial process persist.
In March, Trump received a reduction in the bond he needed to post to appeal Engoron’s ruling. This decision temporarily delayed the enforcement of Engoron’s judgment, canceling several of Trump's business licenses.
Trump’s legal team, led by Chris Kise, plans to challenge the definition of fraud used in Engoron’s ruling. Kise also commented on the timing and motivation of the lawsuit against Trump.
Judge Arthur Engoron is under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct for allegedly having an inappropriate discussion with real estate attorney Adam Leitman Bailey about the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump. This conversation, before Engoron’s ruling, is said to have potentially influenced his decision to issue a $454 million judgment against Trump. The allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of judicial proceedings, as such discussions without notifying all parties involved are prohibited.
