Corrado Calls for Updated Training for Judges Following Outrageous Comments from the Bench in Rape Cases

Says it’s inconceivable that judges continue to demonstrate an antiquated mentality towards rape

Senator Kristin Corrado said that outrageous comments from a pair of New Jersey judges in recent sexual assault cases make it clear that better training is needed for those who sit on the bench.

“It’s outrageous that we have judges serving today in New Jersey courtrooms who think it’s appropriate to downplay the severity of sexual assault perpetrated against young girls,” said Corrado (R-40). “The focus of those judges on protecting alleged rapists from the consequences of their vile actions is contrary to all of the advances we have made in recent years to help sexual assault victims pursue the justice they deserve.”

In recent cases in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, judges commented from the bench that the alleged sexual assaults of adolescent girls by teenage boys were not egregious enough to warrant moving the cases to adult criminal court.

In one instance, a 16-year-old boy was accused of forcibly raping a 12-year-old girl. In the other, a 16-year-old boy was accused of filming himself having sex with a 16-year-old girl who was believed to be incapacitated after drinking too much at a house party. The boy joked about what he referred to as “rape” when captioning the video that he shared with his friends.

In both instances, the judges seemed more concerned with protecting the alleged rapists from future harm than obtaining a just resolution for the victims.

“It’s inconceivable that we still have judges demonstrating an antiquated mentality towards rape in our courtrooms,” added Corrado. “Whatever training these judges have gotten on handling sexual assault cases is clearly insufficient. The judiciary needs to develop a more effective training program that reflects the severity with which sexual assault is viewed in modern society.”

Corrado serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee.