On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Daily Memphian reported that U.S. District Judge Mark Norris, who recused himself from the Tyre Nichols case, may soon face deposition regarding his decision.
During a court hearing, attorney Martin Zummach, representing former officer Justin Smith, said he plans to file a motion to take statements from Judge Norris and his staff. This motion could be filed individually by Zummach or jointly with other defense attorneys representing the former officers.
U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman, now overseeing the case, acknowledged the unusual nature of such a request and expressed uncertainty about the legal procedures involved in deposing a sitting judge. Lipman stated that she would permit the motion to be submitted, allow government prosecutors to reply, and then research the next steps.
Norris’s recusal, which was filed under seal, has delayed the sentencing hearings for the five former officers involved in Nichols’ death. These hearings, initially scheduled shortly after Norris’s recusal on June 13, may now take place as late as October. Three of the officers were convicted in federal court in October 2024 for their roles in the incident.
Zummach highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that this level of judicial recusal is unprecedented. Zummach stated, “this is completely uncharted. That’s how serious this is.”
Source: Daily Memphian
