united-states traffic court judge
Is the Judge allowed to ask about your nationality or citizenship during a speeding ticket hearing?
<p>I am of Indian origin, legally living in the United States.<br>
For my speeding ticket hearing, the Judge asked me in front of the entire court house; "Are you from Pakistan? I replied "no" with an answer, "I am from India".<br>
He then commented about the traffic and how people drive in India!<br>
Is he allowed to ask/comment these kinds of things on a traffic ticket?</p>

<p>A judge can ask any question of anyone in their courtroom. A judge can make any comments they like in their courtroom. They're a <em>judge</em>!</p>

<p>What they can't do is exhibit bias or the apprehension of bias or take irrelevant matters into account in making judicial decisions. The judge may have a wide and deep knowledge of driving conditions in India, however, that is irrelevant to an alleged speeding offence in the United States. If it appears that the judge took this into account in their decision then there are grounds for an appeal. Similarly, if it appears that the fact that you are Indian and the judge displays bias against (or towards) Indians then that is also grounds for an appeal.</p>

<p>An appeal court will look at the entire circumstances of the case to determine if the decision should be overturned including what was said, what the judge decided and the reasons for the decision in the written judgement (if any). </p>
