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cover of episode Reporting on abuse by federal judges means cracking open a culture of fear

Reporting on abuse by federal judges means cracking open a culture of fear

2025/6/7
logo of podcast Consider This from NPR

Consider This from NPR
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
F
Former law clerk
G
Gabe Roth
K
Kerry Johnson
S
Scott Detrow
Topics
Kerry Johnson: 我过去一年半一直在调查联邦法官和他们的职员之间的权力关系，特别是他们的律师助理。法官基本上控制着律师助理的生活，无论是在实习期间还是之后，因为他们就像一个重要的推荐人。在最好的情况下，法官应该像终身导师一样，给予律师助理关于工作量、工作类型、何时放松、何时关注家庭的建议。最糟糕的是，我发现了一些令人不安的模式，即法官骚扰、欺凌或控制他们的律师助理，而且往往很少有监督或审查。由于保密文化，许多消息来源害怕说出来。我采访了超过50名现任和前任联邦法官的律师助理，以及一些目前或曾经在联邦法院从事其他工作的人。在与他们交谈时，我总是小心翼翼，因为他们非常害怕，即使在他们离开这些工作岗位多年后，仍然如此。我花了数百个小时与他们交谈，听取他们一些最痛苦的经历，许多人因此而哭泣。我向他们解释成为广播故事一部分的意义，并尽力尊重他们的意愿。 Former law clerk: 法官掌握着一切权力。不恰当的对话立即开始了，有很多关于法官的私人关系和性关系的谈论。这种不当行为升级为性骚扰，我还声称发生了性侵犯。 Gabe Roth: 一项针对联邦法院工作人员的调查显示，绝大多数人没有在工作中经历过不当行为。然而，调查的另一部分更令人不安，不到一半的受访者认为员工被鼓励举报不当行为。人们仍然害怕报复。 Scott Detrow: 作为一名记者，在试图让某人公开或在背景下发言时，需要非常小心。在处理这类敏感事件时，需要考虑到受访者的安全和职业生涯。

Deep Dive

Chapters
NPR's Carrie Johnson investigated power dynamics between federal judges and their clerks, revealing a pattern of harassment, bullying, and control. Many clerks were afraid to speak out due to a culture of secrecy. The investigation involved over 50 current and former clerks, but only a few agreed to go on the record.
  • Federal judges have significant power over their clerks' careers.
  • A culture of secrecy prevents reporting of misconduct.
  • Many clerks were afraid of retaliation.

Shownotes Transcript

In March, NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson) reported on problems with the way federal courts police sexual harassment and bullying). A culture of secrecy made reporting the story particularly difficult. With few protections, many who alleged mistreatment were afraid to speak out. For our weekly Reporter's Notebook series, Johnson takes us inside her investigation – and speaks with Consider This host Scott Detrow )about the challenge of using anonymous sources to bring accountability to the courts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)