Protect Our Defenders Files Amicus Brief in Support of Reexamination of the Feres Doctrine in Kathryn Spletstoser v John Hyten, et al.

September 27, 2021

Due to pervasive retaliation, the military justice system provides little recourse usually afforded to survivors of sexual assault in almost all other workplace environments. While the military and lawmakers attempt to eliminate sexual assault and provide victims with redress, the judicial branch can reexamine the Feres doctrine to apply it narrowly. The judicially created Feres doctrine was not meant to create an escape route for perpetrators of sexual assault within the military. Until the judiciary reexamines Feres doctrine, virtually all military perpetrators of sexual assault will continue to escape liability.

Protect Our Defenders filed an amicus brief in support of the Plaintiff, Kathryn Spletstoser, Retired Col, who was sexually assaulted by Gen John Hyten.

Download the Amicus Brief. (PDF)