Alberto Gonzales: Everyone Deserves A Fair Trial, Even Donald Trump
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales defended Donald Trump's right to a fair trial following the presidential candidate's claim that a judge overseeing proceedings against him in a case accusing Trump University of fraud is biased due to his Mexican heritage.
Gonzales, during an interview with Rich Zeoli on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, said that Trump should be seen as no different from anyone else in the eyes of the law.
"Like any American, I think Donald Trump is entitled to a fair hearing and trial before an impartial judge, one without bias. The judicial canons require that there not even be an appearance of impropriety. That's a pretty high standard."
When asked about the judge's ties to a group that opposes Trump's political ambitions, he thought the judge should at least consider stepping down from the case.
"The judge would be aware of those facts and, as an initial matter, ask himself if this becomes public, what's the appearance here? Particularly with respect to a reasonable litigant. In most states, that's the standard. Most reasonable litigants would wonder, or worry about a possible bias. Then why wouldn't the judge recuse himself? Why not? This is, after all, all about litigants getting their fair shake in our courts."
Gonzales, however, thinks Trump is making a mistake by airing his grievances in such a public way.
"If I had any concerns about the bias of a judge, I wouldn't address in a way publicly that Mr. Trump did because it demeans the judiciary and calls into question the independence of the judiciary."
