the judge didnt want to be the one to fire Fani’s ass because he was afraid that she would get revenge on him for doing so, so he’s letting someone else do the honors instead smart move
The judge knew he was in a pickle. He gave it a try to split the baby, hoping the Fulton machine wouldn’t devour him.
After the ruling, he realized he was dead meat - only 100% fealty to the civil rights mob is acceptable - so having reverted to reality, he made the proper ruling and accepted his likely fate (retaining a glimmer of hope for reelection).