New York Employment Lawyer Blog

Today the judge in this New York case said that the plaintiff had presented a weak sexual harassment case under New York law. Not a good sign for Anucha Sanders. The jury could be strongly swayed by the judge's views. In the courtroom, the judge is the boss - the authority. The jurors look up to to the judge for guidance and if he expresses an opinion about the case, that can influence the verdict.

Now that the TV networks are broadcasting the fact that the judge has a dim view of the plaintiff's case, Ms. Sander's lawyers should think about settling this case fast. Mr. Thomas and the Knicks may not be in any mood to settle the case. They might want to get a verdict to vindicate themselves.

Also, from what I have read in the papers, it seems that Ms. Saunder's case is based largely on the fact that Mr. Thomas called her a bitch or a "ho." Even if he said these words, this only proves that Mr. Thomas curses at work and denigrates woman - but it does not prove sexual harassment in New York. It might be evidence of gender bias, but that is not what this case seems to be about.