NPR Exclusive: Harassment In The Federal Judiciary
Feb 25, 2025
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Carrie Johnson, NPR's national justice correspondent and lead reporter on a groundbreaking investigation, discusses the troubling climate of harassment in the federal judiciary. She reveals the stark lack of job protections for court employees and the pervasive fear of retaliation that silences victims. Johnson connects the judiciary's challenges to broader accountability issues and highlights the urgent need for reforms. The conversation also draws parallels to the military’s handling of similar issues and emphasizes the ongoing silence surrounding these abuses.
The federal judiciary lacks adequate job protections for employees, creating a culture of fear that discourages reporting sexual harassment and bullying.
Despite some reforms post-Me Too, there are significant obstacles to accountability and transparency within the decentralized federal court system.
Deep dives
Investigating Sexual Harassment in the Federal Courts
An investigation has uncovered significant issues related to sexual harassment and bullying within the federal court system. Many employees reported feeling trapped in a culture where power dynamics leave little room for recourse against problematic behavior by judges. Despite the implementation of some policies in response to the Me Too movement, glaring flaws remain in how these cases are handled. The federal judiciary operates with some employees lacking protection under civil rights laws, making it particularly challenging for victims to seek justice when faced with harassment.
The Rarity of Reporting Complaints
Statistical data reveals that there are alarmingly few complaints filed against judges regarding misconduct, with only seven law clerks reportedly submitting complaints from 2021 to 2024. This raises concerns about whether the low reporting figures reflect a lack of harassment or a pervasive fear among employees to come forward. The fear of retaliation looms large, as many worry that making a complaint could jeopardize their careers in a system where judges wield significant influence over professional opportunities. The complicated and often intimidating environment discourages victims from seeking help they may desperately need.
Challenges in Achieving Accountability
Efforts to reform the judiciary and hold violators accountable face significant hurdles due to the decentralized nature of the court system. Various groups, including members of Congress and nonprofit organizations, have begun pushing for reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the judiciary. Despite these initiatives, the judiciary's independence and the informal power structures hinder effective oversight. Current practices allow for the perpetuation of a culture where employees feel they lack sufficient support to address grievances without compromising their future career prospects.
People who work for the federal court system don't have the same kinds of job protections that most other Americans do.
A nearly year-long NPR investigation has found problems with the way the courts police sexual harassment and bullying and a pervasive culture of fear about blowing the whistle.
This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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