Politics

Prominent Federal Judge Will Retire Immediately Amid Mounting Misconduct Allegations

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Judge Alex Kozinski, one of the nation’s most prominent jurists, announced his retirement from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, amid mounting allegations of sexual misconduct.

Fifteen women have accused the judge of harassment, inappropriate contact, lewd commentary, and unwanted propositions. The Washington Post first reported that six former clerks and court employees accused Kozinski of misconduct in early December. Nine accusers followed in the ensuing days.

“I cannot be an effective judge and simultaneously fight this battle,” Kozinski said in a statement. “Nor would such a battle be good for my beloved federal judiciary. And so, I making the decision to retire effective immediately.”

He also apologized to his accusers, claiming his ribald sense of humor made him incognizant to the sensitivities of others.

“It grieves me to learn that I caused any of my clerks to feel uncomfortable; this was never my intent,” he said. “For this I sincerely apologize.”

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