Microsoft Appeal Filing Calls Judge Biased

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgOn November 27, 2000, Microsoft filed legal papers with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to prevent the company's break up. In its first filing, the company attacked U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, who originally ordered the split, as being biased. "By repeatedly commenting on the merits of the case in the press," Microsoft's filing argued, "the district judge has cast himself in the public's eye as a participant in the controversy, thereby compromising the appearance of impartiality, if not demonstrating actual bias against Microsoft." If the appeals court calls for another trial the software giant wants another judge to preside over the hearings. On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, Jackson ordered that the company be split into two separate companies -- one handling Microsoft’s flagship operating system, Windows, while the other piece would focus on its software, Internet browser and other businesses.