Lawyers representing drug companies and pharmacies in the upcoming federal opioid trial filed a motion Sept. 14 to remove a federal judge from presiding over the case, according to The Hill.
The defendants' lawyers questioned if U.S. District Judge Dan Polster of Cleveland could remain impartial.
The lawyers accuse Mr. Polster of making improper comments about the opioid litigation to the media and in public forums. They also accuse him of prejudgement on the outcome of the trial and of focusing too heavily on settlement discussions.
The lawyers are requesting Mr. Polster to recuse himself from the trial, according to The Hill.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs said the motion is an attempt by the drug companies to avoid accountability for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.
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