Iowa justices grill magistrate over racial slur and comments in sex-abuse case

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An Iowa magistrate who questioned in court whether a defendant was a “wetback” is now facing potential sanctions from the Iowa Supreme Court.

In a harsh, almost brutal, verbal exchange with the Iowa justices on Thursday, Magistrate David J. Hanson said he had not realized the term “wetback” was offensive — a claim the chief justice immediately rejected — before pivoting to a critique of the U.S. Senate hearings, years ago, on the nominations of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas.

The Iowa Judicial Qualifications Commission, which hears complaints about judges’ conduct, has recommended that the Iowa Supreme Court suspend Hanson, a part-time magistrate who is based in Fayette County and practiced law for more than 36 years. The recommendation is tied to comments made by Hanson in two separate criminal matters.

Hanson was appointed to the position of magistrate in January 2022. On Aug. 5, 2022, he refused to sign an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old girl in a sexual abuse case in which the alleged victim was a male. According to court records, Hanson reviewed the matter and, with regard to the alleged victim, stated in writing, “The boy will automatically think, ‘Alright! I’m gonna GET some!’”

This guy was in my law school class. The women in the class called him “Norman Bates.” He used to take class notes on maps of Poland — no, I have no idea why. He was constantly muttering to himself, and then chuckling.

In criminal law we had a rape case; the woman had been passed out drunk. The rule in the case was that if the victim doesn’t consent, it’s rape. Hanson’s take was that “She didn’t say no!” The professor, who had written our state’s criminal code, responded, “So, what? She’s open to all comers?” Hanson didn’t get it.

When three Supreme Court justices were voted out after the Varnum decision on same sex marriage, he applied for the Supreme Court. Thank God he didn’t get selected. Why they are only considering a 90 day suspension is beyond me. I don’t think he should be allowed near a bench.

https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/03/28/iowa-justices-grill-magistrate-over-racial-slur-and-comments-in-sex-abuse-case/