The judge said that either Willis or Wade needed to be dismissed to prevent the appearance of impropriety. He was more concerned about the optics of the prosecution than the actual corruption on full display. To say it wasn't the judge's call to determine whether Willis lied or not is incorrect. He could have declared a mistrial based on the testimony and evidence provided. The trial optics were destroyed as soon as evidence and corroborating witnesses came forward and testified about Willis and Wade. No honest judge would expect a jury to disregard what had transpired between Willis and Wade in forming their opinion. The trial as constructed was a sham and it was the judge's duty to call it what it was and declare a mistrial.