During a recent government meeting, a significant discussion arose regarding the implications of racial bias in rape laws, sparked by a law review article authored by Monica Bell. Senator's inquiry into the article led to a dialogue with Judge Kidd, who was cited in the acknowledgments of Bell's work. The senator questioned whether Judge Kidd believed that rape laws are influenced by racial biases, a claim made by Bell in her article.

Judge Kidd firmly distanced himself from Bell's assertions, stating, \"I have never made that statement,\" and emphasized his commitment to following existing laws regarding sexual violence. He acknowledged that while he and Bell were classmates in law school, he did not recall any discussions specifically about rape laws. When pressed on whether he shared Bell's views, he reiterated his disagreement, stating, \"I do not share the views.\"

The senator further explored Bell's argument that laws concerning child molestation and rape are shaped by intense social forces, including racial and class-based prejudices. Judge Kidd responded critically, asserting that he does not agree with the notion that courts should consider the social forces behind the enactment of criminal statutes when evaluating their constitutionality. He maintained that all criminal laws inherently implicate constitutional rights, as they restrict individual liberties upon conviction.

This exchange highlights ongoing debates about the intersection of race, law, and justice, particularly in the context of sexual violence legislation. Judge Kidd's clear rejection of the idea that racial biases influence rape laws underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding discussions of legal reform and social justice.