"I prefer to leave it [my mask] on"

 ABA Journal has Federal appeals judge should be investigated for telling lawyer to remove mask during oral arguments, says reform group

The targeted judge is Judge Jerry Smith of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at New Orleans. Smith made the request during oral arguments Jan. 6, according to this recording (at 16:25, via Slate reporter Mark Joseph Stern).

The exchange begins with Smith asking DOJ lawyer Joshua Koppel to remove his mask.

“I prefer to leave it on,” Koppel replied.

“We would prefer that you remove it, thank you,” Smith said.

Law360's coverage is Judge Ordered DOJ Atty To Remove Mask, Watchdog Says