(Newser)
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George Zimmerman's defense team got its wish: The judge assigned to the case has recused herself over a conflict of interest, reports AP. Judge Jessica Recksiedler's husband works with Mark NeJame, who is being paid by CNN to comment on the case. NeJame also turned down a request from Zimmerman's family to represent Zimmerman. He did, however, point them toward Mark O'Mara, who is now handling the case.
The next judge who came up in rotation also had to step aside—because he once practiced law with O'Mara, notes the Orlando Sentinel. Judge No. 3 is Kenneth Lester Jr., and he will preside at Zimmerman's bond hearing Friday morning. Lester has the reputation as being tough but fair in the courtroom. "He basically told me it should not be hard to make the right decision if you follow the law," his daughter tells the Sentinel. Click to read about the stand-your-ground law at the center of the case.
