U.S. Judge Steps Down After Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

A prominent U.S. appeals court judge announced his retirement Monday days after women alleged he subjected them to inappropriate sexual conduct or comments.

Judge Alex Kozinski looks on during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington on March 16.

Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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San Francisco (AP) -- The sexual misconduct allegations that have cut a swath through Congress brought down a prominent member of the judicial branch Monday with the resignation of Alex Kozinski, a federal appeals court judge known for his blunt and colorful legal opinions.

Kozinski, a 67-year-old member and former chief judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the nation's largest federal appeals court, said in a statement that a battle over the accusations would not be good for the judiciary. He retired, effective immediately.