Clerk Can Sue County for Harassment Despite Settling With Judge

Burleson County, Texas, must face trial on a former criminal clerk’s sexual harassment lawsuit based on a judge’s alleged abuse even though she separately settled her claims against the judge, the Western District of Texas said.

Jane Doe AW’s suit against the county under 42 U.S.C. §1983 under the theory of municipal liability isn’t barred by her resolution of claims she pressed against Judge Mike Sutherland in his official capacity, the court said Aug. 27. That reverses course from the court’s since vacated Aug. 24 ruling, which had found Doe’s settlement with Sutherland ended any chance she had to hold ...