To: Judge G. Todd Baugh, District Court Judge
Resign, Judge G. Todd Baugh
Victory! The creator of this petition declared the campaign a success. You can still sign the petition to show support.
On August 26, 2013, Judge G. Todd Baugh sentenced former senior high school teacher Stacey Rambold to just 30 days in prison for the repeated rape of a 14-year-old student. In response to the local and national outrage over Baugh's victim-shaming and willingness to excuse the behavior of the defendant, we petition that Judge Baugh resign from his position as district court judge.
Why is this important?
According to the Billings Gazette, Judge Baugh argued that the 14-year-old victim of rape in this case was "older than her chronological age" and "as much in control of the situation" as her 49-year-old rapist. In doing so, Baugh places the responsibility for the situation on a troubled child -- one who committed suicide just two years later -- and excuses the criminal actions of an adult who violated the ethical standards and trust of his community. Baugh has engaged in the worst kind of victim shaming, while increasing the possibility that more child predators, relying on the laxity of a judge who more readily sympathizes with the abuser than the abused, will prey on other children in the future. For the safety of our community, and the sake of sexual abuse victims whose confidence Baugh has lost, we ask that he resign from his public position as district court judge.
[We would like to note that this petition is in no way a referendum on Judge Baugh's character; we merely seek appropriate action in light of a decision that hurts victims and our community. Please keep all petition comments appropriate and respectful.]
[We would like to note that this petition is in no way a referendum on Judge Baugh's character; we merely seek appropriate action in light of a decision that hurts victims and our community. Please keep all petition comments appropriate and respectful.]