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Lise Olsen
Lise Olsen is a Houston-based senior reporter and editor at the Texas Observer. Lise has investigated many twisted Texas tales, including crooked judges, an unjust execution, massive environmental disasters, myriad cases of corporate and public corruption, and unsolved serial killings. Her reports in three states over 20 years contributed to the prosecutions of a former congressman and a federal judge, inspired laws and reforms, helped solve cold cases, restored names to unidentified murder victims, and freed dozens of wrongfully-held prisoners. Her work is featured in CNN's “The Wrong Man” (2015) about the innocence claims of executed offender Ruben Cantu and the six-part A&E series on the victims of a 1970s serial killer, The Eleven, (2017). She is the author of Code of Silence: Sexual Misconduct by Federal Judges, the Secret System that Protects Them and the Women who Blew the Whistle.
Articles by Lise Olsen
‘Code of Silence’ Reveals How Courts Systems Protect Federal Judges Accused of Misconduct
A new book illustrates how complaints are often suppressed—even in the case of a Galveston judge who sexually assaulted employees in his chambers.
How Public Corruption Investigations Can Fail
A former Texas Ranger provides rare insights into the mostly secret system set up to investigate complaints about public officials.
In Texas, Corrupt Politicians Face Little Accountability
The Texas Rangers are tasked with investigating corruption and crimes by public officials. Those officials are rarely held accountable.
Reformer Sissy Farenthold Is Still Watching
The former state representative led a revolt against corruption in 1972—and is calling for action now.
When Your Birth Is a State Secret
Texan adoptees argue that they should have a right to see their own birth certificates.
In a Rare Show of Accountability, a Texas Attorney Has Surrendered His License
A judge called his actions in a death penalty case "shocking prosecutorial misconduct that destroyed any semblance of a fair trial.”
Armed With Lessons From a Dallas Serial Killer, Families Push for Reforms in Texas Law
Bills before the state Legislature this session would subject precious metal buyers to more scrutiny and protect assisted living residents.
“Election Integrity” or Voter Intimidation?
Texas Republicans are pushing changes to election laws that would let partisan poll watchers record voters in polling places.
How Flawed Death Investigations Can Leave Texas COVID-19 Deaths Uncounted
According to a new study, undercounts of COVID-19 deaths appear worst in rural and suburban areas served by elected justices of the peace.