The NPR Politics Podcast NPR Investigation: Harassment In The Federal Court System
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Mar 1, 2025 Carrie Johnson, NPR's justice correspondent, investigates harassment in the federal court system, revealing alarming insights from 42 former and current judicial employees. She discusses the significant power imbalance faced by law clerks and the pervasive culture of silence surrounding misconduct. Personal stories underscore the challenges of reporting harassment, with one clerk sharing her traumatic experience with a judge accused of misconduct. Johnson also highlights urgent calls for reform to protect vulnerable employees and improve workplace accountability.
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Alaska Clerkship Ordeal
- A recent law school graduate accepted a clerkship in Alaska, hoping to jumpstart her career.
- The judge, who held all the power, began testing her boundaries with inappropriate conversations and constant texts.
Power Dynamics and Limited Oversight
- Judges wield significant power over young lawyers' careers, influencing job prospects.
- There's limited oversight within chambers, making clerks vulnerable to mistreatment.
Horton's Pregnancy Challenges
- Jessica Horton, a law clerk, faced challenges after disclosing her pregnancy to her judge.
- Despite the judge being a mother, Horton received minimal leave and faced inappropriate questions.