Opinion ID: 1854995
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Misty Fowler

Text: Fowler attended Chadron State College from August 1992 to May 1996. In furtherance of her studies, Fowler worked as an intern in the Dawes County courthouse during the summer of 1995. As a part of her internship, Fowler would sit in on trials before respondent. During a recess in a felony trial, Fowler had a discussion with respondent in the clerk's office. In this discussion, respondent told Fowler that she should not go to bed angry. When Fowler responded that she understood what the Old Testament says about anger, respondent said, `That's not what I mean. I meant don't ever deny your husband sex when you're angry.' This comment about sex shocked and offended Fowler, in addition to making her feel embarrassed and humiliated. Respondent admits that this exchange took place but that he did not intend to harass Fowler. Instead, respondent states he was probably being too cute. Respondent also contends that he did not believe his comments bothered her, noting that Fowler continued to have discussions with respondent during breaks throughout the remaining 3 days of trial. The master found respondent made the foregoing comments to Fowler in violation of Canons 1, 2, 2(A), and 3(B)(4) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and § 24-722(6). In so concluding, the master added, I find it particularly disturbing that a judge during a felony trial, can find time, during the trial, to have uninvited, insensitive public conversations with a `cute' girl watching the trial, concerning a deeply personal matter.