The article discusses unwritten rules for law clerks working under federal judges, including mandatory participation in social gatherings. Many clerks feel pressured to comply, fearing career repercussions if they decline. This dynamic creates an environment where clerks often feel powerless, texting each other covertly to manage their situations. NPR's investigation reveals troubling incidents of misconduct, including bullying and harassment, highlighting the imbalance of power between judges and their clerks, which fosters a culture of fear and obedience.
"If I had declined to participate, it would have marked me as disloyal or difficult," said a former clerk. "It was a constant reminder of how completely the judge controlled my time."
"You stay seated, nodding along because upsetting the judge could literally end your career," A said, highlighting the fear that looms over clerks.
Clerks recounted incidents of judges throwing papers or files in anger, showcasing a disturbing power imbalance in chambers.
NPR has investigated serious misconduct in the federal judiciary, revealing a culture where clerks are pressured to cede control over their lives to judges.
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