SAN FRANCISCO — A federal appeals court has assigned a committee to investigate workplace conditions after sexual misconduct accusations that forced a high-profile judge to retire.
Chief Judge Sidney Thomas of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals named four judges and an employment lawyer to the committee, which will review policies to protect workers and recommend changes if necessary.
Thomas said he created the committee Dec. 17. The day before, 9th Circuit Judge Alex Kozinski announced his retirement after former clerks, externs and others in the legal profession accused Kozinski of sexual misconduct.
Thomas did not mention Kozinski by name in announcing the committee but noted that there were rules in place to deal with complaints against federal judges.