A change of heart on preferences appears to have cost the high-profile independent in Wentworth, while the controversy around Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation has been of benefit to Donald Trump.
Brett Kavanaugh presented himself as a good and reputable man in his recent Senate hearing. But a man’s social status and education tell us nothing about whether he’s likely to commit sexual assault.
One striking feature of Brett Kavanaugh’s testimony was the number of times he interrupted. Data shows that hearing interruptions are becoming more common, particularly when the nominee is female.
Whether the sins of our past stay with us forever has become a pertinent question of our time. A philosopher argues we don’t need to carry our past burdens – although there are some moral conditions.
A century ago, Russian leaders staged mock trials on rape and abortion to educate citizens about new Soviet laws and values. Then, as now, victim-blaming and ‘he said, she said’ marred the verdict.
‘Grease 2’ – which, according to Kavanaugh’s calendar, he saw on June 16, 1982 – is an example of the brand of entitled masculinity that appeared in the era’s teen flicks.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement and women finally feeling free to discuss having been sexually assaulted, it may seem like all men are predators. A trauma psychologist says this is far from true.
Senators followed a playbook familiar to millions of women. In promoting men, companies and other organizations have frequently brushed aside allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
Anita Hill charged in 1991 that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas sexually harassed her. He was still confirmed. Now, another nominee faces sexual assault allegations. Have times changed?
Data reveal that sexual assault is common among boys and girls under the age of 18. Sexual violence experts share key facts from research on the issue.
William Blake, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Kavanaugh thinks judges ‘must be an umpire – a neutral and impartial arbiter.’ So does Chief Justice Roberts. But more liberal jurists believe that the application of the law is inherently subjective.