When we go to court, we expect the person in the black robe to be fair. If a judge acts in a way that makes people doubt them, the whole system can fall apart.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Department of Justice just asked Judge Ross to step down. She is currently leading a major case about the 2020 election.

The DOJ says her behavior at a private event was a problem. They claim it raises "unanswerable questions" about whether she can stay fair.

This move comes after news reports about the judge's personal life. The government says these actions hurt the court's good name.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

1 motion filed by the DOJ to remove the judge.

• 2020 election case is the trial at risk of delay.
• 1 private event cited as the reason for the filing.
• Multiple reports of "noisy" personal conduct.
• Unknown number of months the trial could be pushed back.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Is a judge's private life really our business? We usually say what happens at home stays at home. But high-stakes trials change the rules.

If the public stops trusting the person in charge, does the verdict even matter? We have to decide if we want judges to be perfect people or just good at their jobs.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

If the judge leaves, a new one must take over. This will likely delay the 2020 election trial by months or even a year.

Regular people waiting for answers about the election will have to wait even longer. The case could be stuck in legal limbo for a long time.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

What exactly happened at the private event?

• Will the judge agree to step down on her own?
• Who would take over the case if she leaves?