Rhode Island judge refers DOJ lawyers for possible discipline over handling of transgender care investigation A federal judge in Rhode Island has referred Justice Department lawyers for potential discipline after finding they misled the court and withheld information during an investigation into transgender youth care at a hospital. The judge previously quashed an administrative subpoena, stating it lacked a proper purpose and was issued in bad faith, criticizing the department’s conduct as “unsettling.” The Justice Department denies the accusations, asserting its attorneys did not misrepresent facts or mislead the court.

• A federal judge in Rhode Island referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline.
• The referral is due to their handling of an investigation into transgender youth care at Rhode Island Hospital.
• The judge previously found the lawyers misled the court and withheld information.
• An administrative subpoena for sensitive medical information was quashed by the judge for lacking a proper purpose and being issued in bad faith.
• The judge accused Justice Department lawyers of misrepresenting facts under oath and withholding information from courts.
• The Justice Department’s Civil Division denied the judge’s claims, stating the accusations are without merit.