News Investigation Questions if Tameka Raymond Had Fair Custody Trial Against Usher

A CBS Atlanta News investigation has revealed that some Georgia judges have failed to disclose relationships they have with attorneys in open court. This comes on the heels of the highly publicized childhood custody battle between Usher and Tameka Raymond. As you’ll recall, for the most of the year, the two have battled it out over their two young sons (Usher V, 4, and Naviyd, 3). In August, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane awarded custody of Usher’s two sons to him. Tameka’s attorney, Lisa West, said she was stunned by the judges decision. Since the decision, West said she learned Usher’s celebrity attorney, John Mayoue, may have helped Lane get reelected in 2008. According to campaign finance reports, Mayoue’s law firm donated $1,000 to the judge’s campaign, hosted a fundraising reception, and sat on Lane’s reelection committee. Peep the clip:

[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://youtu.be/A2skA8ieRBQ[/youtube]

So is this legal? Absolutely. CBS Atlanta reports that Georgia law allows for attorneys to contribute to judicial campaigns, however, judges have a heavy legal burden to avoid even the appearance of being biased. So what’s next? Although Usher has been awarded custody, Tameka’s attorney have asked for a new trial. What do YOU think? Based off of the judge’s alleged affiliation with Usher’s attorney, was Tameka’s trial fair? Or is this another tactic Tameka is using to manipulate the courts and or public? 
[Video: SandraRose]