‘the words or actions’ of a decision-maker appear to give the ‘impression

Where ‘the words or actions’ of a decision-maker appear to give the ‘impression’ that they have ‘enter[ed] the area’ to ‘denigrate’ a witness or ‘oppose’ the view of a witness, ‘the appearance of impartial justice could be compromised’. That Balthar ‘cut across’ Adama’s responses, and described his attempts to defend himself against the interim finding as ‘bureaucratic claptrap’, suggests that Balthar’s language and conduct may have risen to denigration or opposition to Adama’s views. Such a position is further affirmed by the captured audio, which indicates Balthar had predetermined Adama’s motivation and disposition when he stated ‘[t]hey’ll take every opportunity to drag things out’.