Court to censure Montana judge over rape comments

Source: Associated Press

Court to censure Montana judge over rape comments
By MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press | June 4, 2014 | Updated: June 4, 2014 4:15pm

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court will censure a state judge and suspend him without pay for 31 days for saying a 14-year-old rape victim was "older than her chronological age."

Justices said in Wednesday's opinion that Judge G. Todd Baugh of Billings eroded confidence in the court system with his actions in the case of convicted rapist and former teachercc
"There is no place in the Montana judiciary for perpetuating the stereotype that women and girls are responsible for sexual crimes committed against them," Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote.

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Baugh has apologized for his actions and plans to retire when his term expires in December. He drew widespread condemnation for suggesting the victim shared responsibility for her rape, including protests and a petition seeking his resignation.

Rambold was 47 years old at the time of the crime. The girl, a student in his class at Billings Senior High School, committed suicide while the case was pending trial.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Court-to-censure-Montana-judge-over-rape-comments-5528963.php