First Circuit removes Bulger trial judge

In an opinion by Justice Souter, the First Circuit today ordered District Judge Richard Stearns removed from the Whitey Bulger trial, based on a possible perception of bias. Stearns was in several supervisory roles in the U.S. Attorney's office during the period covered by the indictment. In re James Bulger (1st Cir. Mar. 14, 2013).