Judge Accused of Impartiality Stays Five Asbestos-Related Bankruptcy Proceedings

WILMINGTON, Del. - A bankruptcy judge has entered an order delaying his involvement in five pending asbestos-related bankruptcies until it has been determined whether his relationship with two consultants appointed to work with him on the cases created a conflict of interest in the proceedings. In Re: Armstrong World Industries, Inc., et al. No. 00-4471 (D. Del., Bankr.).

The Nov. 5 order issued by Judge Alfred M. Wolin stays any hearing or proceeding presently scheduled before Wolin until further order of the court, but would not affect matters pending before any other bankruptcy judge overseeing the litigation to the extent …