The Judiciary Accountability Act: Dismantling the Myth of the Untouchable Judge

Abstract

This article outlines the Judiciary Accountability Act (JAA) (HR 4827/S 2553), critical legislation that would finally extend Title VII protections to judiciary employees, including law clerks and federal public defenders, enabling them to sue their harassers and seek damages for harm done to their careers, reputations, and future earning potential. It draws from the author's personal experience with harassment and retaliation by a former DC judge to argue that the JAA is just the first step. Further legislative and cultural change are necessary to truly protect judiciary employees and hold misbehaving judges accountable for misconduct.