In a significant development concerning judicial conduct, Judge Joshua Kindred of the US District Court for the District of Alaska has resigned amidst findings of serious misconduct by the Ninth Circuit judicial council.
The council’s 30-page order, released publicly, detailed pervasive misconduct by Kindred, including engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former law clerk and creating a hostile work environment.
The council’s investigation revealed that Kindred’s conduct was characterized by sexual harassment, abuse of power, and fostering an inappropriate work environment. The judge’s interactions with his clerks were described as abusive and oppressive, with instances where he crossed professional boundaries and made inappropriate advances.
The misconduct also included Kindred lying to the investigating committee about the nature of his relationship with the clerk and using vulgar language in the workplace. He admitted later that personal struggles, including a divorce and excessive drinking, contributed to his lapse in judgment and unprofessional behavior.
The Ninth Circuit judicial council publicly reprimanded and admonished Kindred, recommending his voluntary resignation. They also certified the matter to the Judicial Conference of the United States to consider impeachment proceedings.
This case underscores ongoing concerns within the judiciary regarding misconduct and the abuse of power dynamics in judicial chambers. Chief Justice John Roberts has previously addressed these issues by initiating measures to enhance accountability and create avenues for reporting misconduct.
Kindred’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the Alaska federal court, impacting its operational capacity. The judicial community continues to grapple with ensuring ethical standards and maintaining public trust in the judiciary amidst such revelations.
The detailed and unanimous findings by the Ninth Circuit judicial council reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing judicial misconduct, aiming to uphold the integrity of the federal judiciary.