In a five-page filing issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres criticized attorney Alex Spiro for what she called “combative motions” and attempts to “fast-track” the judicial process. Spiro had filed multiple requests seeking to deny the woman’s petition to proceed under a pseudonym and to dismiss the lawsuit outright.
“Carter’s lawyer’s relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client,” Torres wrote.The judge’s decision preserves the plaintiff’s anonymity at least temporarily, emphasizing the court’s duty to protect a possible sexual assault victim’s privacy, particularly when the allegations concern a minor at the time of the alleged incident. The lawsuit claims Carter, now 54, assaulted the woman when she was 13 years old.
Judge Torres Order in Doe v... by pmcnamee
No Fast-Track for Dismissal
Spiro also sought an immediate dismissal of the suit, arguing the accusations are without merit and that hiding the plaintiff’s identity prevents Carter from defending himself. However, Judge Torres denied that request, noting that an aggressive or accelerated approach is often unwarranted when serious allegations of sexual misconduct are involved.Legal experts say the ruling underlines a delicate balance courts must strike between a defendant’s right to transparency and due process, and a plaintiff’s right to remain anonymous in potentially traumatizing legal matters. Judge Torres did not rule on the merits of the case itself, leaving questions about the timeline for further proceedings.
