Cockfighting supporters seek justice's recusal

New Supreme Court Justice James E. Edmondson is being asked to disqualify himself from deciding whether Oklahoma's cockfighting ban is constitutional.<br><br>Tulsa attorney Larry Oliver has filed a

Saturday, January 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

New Supreme Court Justice James E. Edmondson is being asked to disqualify himself from deciding whether Oklahoma's cockfighting ban is constitutional.

Tulsa attorney Larry Oliver has filed a petition in the Supreme Court to recuse Edmondson from the cockfighting case. Oliver says Edmondson should be disqualified because his brother, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, is involved in the case.

James Edmondson couldn't be reached for comment yesterday.

According to the law, a judge must disqualify himself, except in certain circumstances, if he or she is related to an attorney involved in a case before the court.

The law also indicates that a judge or justice can remain on a case if both sides of the issue agree.