Whether the members of the District Court of Eastern Vaud had to be recused for appearance of bias.
Yes. The objective links between the applicant and court staff could create an appearance of partiality in the eyes of the opposing party and third parties.
Recusal is exceptional but must be ordered when objectively established circumstances create a reasonable appearance of prevention. Here, the applicant's close family ties to court staff who regularly interact professionally with all judges of the court justified recusal to preserve impartiality.