Renowned law professor, Jonathan Turley, has faced criticism for his recent decision to align himself with a federal judge who is currently under investigation for his handling of an incident involving a 13-year-old girl in his courtroom. The judge in question ordered the child to be handcuffed to the jury box, commenting later that she was “awfully cute.”
This move by Turley comes amidst widespread criticism of Judge Benitez, who was recently described by Governor Gavin Newsom as a “right-wing zealot with no regard for human life,” a sentiment that Turley appears to contradict.
Turley has previously made controversial statements, notably regarding the treatment of Martin Luther King by white law enforcement, further bolstering his reputation for divisive rhetoric.
Newsom’s stern assessment of Judge Benitez preceded an order issued by the latter that overturned California’s ban on high-capacity magazines. In his controversial order, Benitez claimed the law made it a crime to possess common firearm magazines, an interpretation that has been widely questioned.
The fallout surrounding Judge Benitez’s recent actions, including his treatment of the 13-year-old girl in his courtroom, has only intensified the debate and scrutiny over his controversial opinions and actions. This fixation has culminated in Turley’s defense, raising pertinent questions about the nature of rhetoric surrounding the judiciary.
Despite criticism, Turley continues to leverage stark commentary, often prioritizing sensationalist narratives. His recent defense of Judge Benitez is no exception. For further insight into the incident and Turley’s subsequent defense, explore his article: Gov. Newsom Attacks Federal Judge as Child-Killing, Extremist, Right-Wing Zealot Owned by the NRA.
Previous coverage of the incident: Federal Judge Handcuffs Crying 13-Year-Old Girl Attending Father’s Hearing,
Formal Complaint Lodged Against Federal Judge For Handcuffing Crying 13-Year-Old Girl,
6 Months Later, Still No Discipline For Federal Judge Who Handcuffed Crying 13-Year-Old Girl.