The Indiana Supreme Court issued a public reprimand today for Attorney General Todd Rokita for his public comments regarding the Dr. Caitlin Bernard case. Two justices argued for a harsher punishment, believing the discipline to be too lenient based on Rokita’s position as Attorney General. Bernard is the Indiana doctor who admitted to performing an abortion on a 10-year-old rape victim. The court said Rokita violated Professional Conduct Rules by making a statement that had a likelihood of influencing the ongoing proceeding and had no substantial purpose other than to embarrass or burden Dr. Bernard. Rokita was ordered to pay a $250 fine. Rokita, a Republican, had accused Bernard of failing to report child abuse and violating patient privacy by speaking to a reporter about the girl’s case. Bernard was reprimanded and fined as well, but authorities stopped short of revoking her license.
