On Friday, April 18, 2025, the Iowa Supreme Court removed Magistrate Judge David Hanson from his position due to serious misconduct and a lack of remorse. The court’s unanimous decision followed an investigation into Hanson’s behavior during a teen sexual assault case and his use of an ethnic slur in a courtroom setting.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge David Hanson,” with case number 24–2030.
Hanson, who had nearly 40 years of legal experience and was appointed to the bench in 2022, faced scrutiny after dismissing an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old girl accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy. In his ruling, he described the allegations as “absurd,” stating that teenage boys naturally desire sexual encounters with girls and that the complainant had “welcomed the advance” and consented to the sexual acts. This statement drew significant criticism and raised concerns about his judgment.
Further allegations emerged during a July 2023 court hearing, where a prosecuting intern reported that Hanson used a derogatory ethnic slur when referring to a Hispanic defendant. These incidents prompted two formal complaints against him, leading to an investigation by the state’s judicial ethics commission. The commission found that Hanson’s actions violated judicial conduct rules and recommended a 90-day suspension without pay, along with mandatory anger management and bias training.
However, the Supreme Court took a more severe stance, deciding to remove Hanson from the bench altogether. Justice Dana Oxley, who authored the court’s decision, emphasized Hanson’s “complete lack of self-awareness and contrition” when questioned about his behavior.
In the court’s ruling, Oxley pointed out that Hanson’s comments during the dismissal of the assault case reflected a biased perspective, indicating preconceived notions about alleged sexual assault victims. He had compared the allegations to high-profile cases of false accusations, expressing a belief that he would not support what he termed “high tech lynchings” of individuals facing such allegations.
Moreover, during the disciplinary proceedings, Hanson claimed ignorance regarding the derogatory nature of the slur he used, suggesting that the judicial commission provide him with a list of prohibited terms to avoid in the future. The Supreme Court found this suggestion particularly troubling, as it raised doubts about his ability to impartially handle cases involving minority defendants.
Justice Oxley noted that racially derogatory remarks made in open court create a perception of bias that undermines the integrity of the judicial process. The court’s decision underscored that a judge’s mindset significantly affects their conduct and decision-making, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
