The investigation is over. The debate is about what should happen next.
The Big Story
U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2014, is facing impeachment efforts in Congress. A judicial investigation found Judge Ross engaged in sexual activity in chambers, attended a political campaign event, and initially denied the misconduct before later admitting it. Ross received a private reprimand, but two Republican lawmakers have since introduced articles of impeachment.
The Two Spins
From the Left
- The investigation is over, the misconduct was confirmed, and the judiciary already handed down a punishment.
- The discipline should be allowed to stand unless new information emerges.
From the Right
- The findings go beyond poor judgment and include false statements during the investigation.
- The discipline does not go far enough, and Congress should consider impeachment.
What This Means for Us
Federal judges serve for life so they can make decisions based on the law without worrying about politics or elections.
If Judge Ross were ultimately removed, her cases would be reassigned and the president would nominate a replacement, who would then need Senate confirmation.
This case highlights how our legal system balances protecting judges from political pressure while also holding them accountable for misconduct.
How They Make Money
Bloomberg L.P.
- Founded in 1981, Bloomberg L.P. owns Bloomberg Law, a subscription service used by legal professionals across the country.
- Bloomberg generates an estimated $13 billion to $14 billion in annual revenue, largely from subscriptions to its financial data, news, and research platforms. Bloomberg Law helped identify Eleanor Ross after the Judicial Council report did not publicly name the judge.
Takeaway
Some of the biggest stories start with someone reading a document most of us never see.
The Number That Stuck With Me
15
Only 15 federal judges have been impeached in U.S. history, and just 8 have been removed from office.