Consider This from NPR Reporting on abuse by federal judges means cracking open a culture of fear
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Jun 7, 2025 Carrie Johnson, an NPR Justice Correspondent, dives deep into the hidden world of federal courts, revealing a troubling culture of silence surrounding abuse and misconduct. She discusses the significant power dynamics between federal judges and their clerks, detailing personal accounts of harassment and fear that silence victims. Johnson shares the challenges of using anonymous sources and innovative storytelling methods to bring these issues to light, emphasizing the urgent need for change in a system resistant to accountability.
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Fear Shrouds Clerks' Harassment Stories
- A former federal law clerk from Alaska shared how inappropriate conversations quickly escalated to sexual harassment and assault.
- They needed a voice actor for anonymity due to fear of speaking out publicly.
Anonymity Crucial For Sources
- Most law clerks fear retaliation and prefer anonymity when reporting misconduct by federal judges.
- Only two or three out of over fifty sources agreed to speak on the record despite extensive outreach.
Build Trust With Careful Listening
- Respect sources' need for anonymity and listen deeply before pushing for recorded interviews.
- Patience and care help cultivate trust from fearful sources reluctant to speak out publicly.