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Iowa
Related: About this forumIowa justices grill magistrate over racial slur and comments in sex-abuse case
An Iowa magistrate who questioned in court whether a defendant was a wetback is now facing potential sanctions from the Iowa Supreme Court.
In a harsh, almost brutal, verbal exchange with the Iowa justices on Thursday, Magistrate David J. Hanson said he had not realized the term wetback was offensive a claim the chief justice immediately rejected before pivoting to a critique of the U.S. Senate hearings, years ago, on the nominations of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas.
The Iowa Judicial Qualifications Commission, which hears complaints about judges conduct, has recommended that the Iowa Supreme Court suspend Hanson, a part-time magistrate who is based in Fayette County and practiced law for more than 36 years. The recommendation is tied to comments made by Hanson in two separate criminal matters.
Hanson was appointed to the position of magistrate in January 2022. On Aug. 5, 2022, he refused to sign an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old girl in a sexual abuse case in which the alleged victim was a male. According to court records, Hanson reviewed the matter and, with regard to the alleged victim, stated in writing, The boy will automatically think, Alright! Im gonna GET some!
In a harsh, almost brutal, verbal exchange with the Iowa justices on Thursday, Magistrate David J. Hanson said he had not realized the term wetback was offensive a claim the chief justice immediately rejected before pivoting to a critique of the U.S. Senate hearings, years ago, on the nominations of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas.
The Iowa Judicial Qualifications Commission, which hears complaints about judges conduct, has recommended that the Iowa Supreme Court suspend Hanson, a part-time magistrate who is based in Fayette County and practiced law for more than 36 years. The recommendation is tied to comments made by Hanson in two separate criminal matters.
Hanson was appointed to the position of magistrate in January 2022. On Aug. 5, 2022, he refused to sign an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old girl in a sexual abuse case in which the alleged victim was a male. According to court records, Hanson reviewed the matter and, with regard to the alleged victim, stated in writing, The boy will automatically think, Alright! Im gonna GET some!
This guy was in my law school class. The women in the class called him Norman Bates. He used to take class notes on maps of Poland no, I have no idea why. He was constantly muttering to himself, and then chuckling.
In criminal law we had a rape case; the woman had been passed out drunk. The rule in the case was that if the victim doesnt consent, its rape. Hansons take was that She didnt say no! The professor, who had written our states criminal code, responded, So, what? Shes open to all comers? Hanson didnt get it.
When three Supreme Court justices were voted out after the Varnum decision on same sex marriage, he applied for the Supreme Court. Thank God he didnt get selected. Why they are only considering a 90 day suspension is beyond me. I dont think he should be allowed near a bench.
https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/03/28/iowa-justices-grill-magistrate-over-racial-slur-and-comments-in-sex-abuse-case/
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Iowa justices grill magistrate over racial slur and comments in sex-abuse case (Original Post)
rsdsharp
Yesterday
OP
Well, he says he grew up in Waterloo. I lived or worked Waterloo/Cedar Falls for 12 years.
rsdsharp
Yesterday
#3
I meant that he used the 'I didn't know" excuse. No pity on the judge for "not knowing"
Clouds Passing
Yesterday
#4
Demovictory9
(35,025 posts)1. Ugh..awful man
Clouds Passing
(4,238 posts)2. "He didn't know"

rsdsharp
(10,617 posts)3. Well, he says he grew up in Waterloo. I lived or worked Waterloo/Cedar Falls for 12 years.
I knew!
Clouds Passing
(4,238 posts)4. I meant that he used the 'I didn't know" excuse. No pity on the judge for "not knowing"
Of course he knew