Canto denies second objection, believes no conflict exists

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Superior Court Judge James Canto has reaffirmed his position that he doesn't believe he needs to be disqualified from hearing a criminal case because he is in a personal relationship with a prosecutor. The judge responded to an objection that was filed by Norman Camacho James, Jr. regarding the judge's ability to be fair and impartial because of his personal relationship. 

James had asked for the judge's recusal due to information he obtained from his attorney, Curtis Van De Veld, about Canto's alleged behavior in another trial. Judge Canto says he did not shift favor to the prosecution in a separate criminal trial when his girlfriend showed up in court. Canto said his perspective on legal issues was always according to the merits and his record during the trial shows his decisions and rulings were at all times fair, equitable and grounded in the law.

Additionally, he maintains that the objection failed to offer any proof of actual bias but is instead based almost entirely on speculation.