Fifth Circuit’s Ho Cites ‘Political Attacks’ on Judge Shopping

Fifth Circuit Judge James Ho has heightened his criticism of a new policy meant to prevent “judge shopping,” saying the federal judiciary has “decided to credit these political attacks” on single-judge divisions in Texas.

In a speech Monday to the Midland County Bar Association, Ho said he took issue with the policy — which calls on courts to randomly assign cases that seek state or nation-wide relief — as he believes it doesn’t address the real issues surrounding judge shopping.

Texas federal court divisions with only one or a handful of judges have come under particular scrutiny, as conservative litigants ...