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This is the question about the distinguished judge. Do the words "or else" function as "if not E, then W", (E=well equipped to answer question. W=something badly wrong with legal system)?

For some reason I struggled with this question. Am I on the right track?

I don't know what question you're talking about, but "or else" does indeed mean one or the other.
Knowing the status of either gives you the status of the second: the opposite.