Justice Starcher steps aside in Massey case

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Larry Starcher announced today that he is disqualifying himself from participating in the rehearing of the Harman Mining Corporation v. A. T. Massey Coal Company case. Oral arguments on the rehearing are set for March 12 at the Supreme Court.

Justice Starcher said, "I am stepping aside, hoping that Justice Benjamin does the same, so we can end the public controversy about the case and restore confidence in our Court by having five totally impartial justices hear the appeal."

The full text of Justice Starcher’s statement filed in the case can be viewed here.