Judge Robert E. Beach and Scientology ?

Gopher65, you are indeed appropriate to question possible judicial bias, after repeated cases of questionable judgment in favor of lawyers representing management of the Scientology organization. As for the Lisa McPherson wrongful death case settlement agreement, I think that the deal itself was indeed witnessed by both legal teams originally, and not a "backroom handshake". However, note that US federal judge Steven Douglas Merryday stated that the settlement was "irrelevant": "But Merryday said the settlement was irrelevant. He said his only concern was whether Dandar was being punished for complying with Merryday's order denying his motion to withdraw from the case. He said he would prohibit the church and Beach from levying any penalty against Dandar for his representation of a client in federal court." Cheers. :)