Judges Sound Alarm on Threats to Judiciary, Emphasize Judicial Independence

Judges Raise Concerns About Threats and Attacks on Judiciary

Two senior federal judges, Richard Sullivan and Jeffrey Sutton, expressed concerns about the increasing threats and attacks against members of the judiciary. They spoke during a call with reporters after the U.S. Judicial Conference, the policymaking body of the judiciary, discussed security issues at its biannual meeting.

Judge Sutton, who chairs the Judicial Conference's executive committee, emphasized that criticism is part of the job, but when it escalates to threats, it undermines judicial independence. He also mentioned violent incidents involving judges, including the murder of Judge Esther Salas' son.

Judge Sullivan, who chairs a Judicial Conference committee on security, stressed the importance of adequate funding and staffing for the U.S. Marshals Service, which provides security for federal judges. He noted the need to protect judges and courthouses from potential attacks.

Both judges expressed concern about calls to impeach judges for issuing rulings that some find unfavorable. They emphasized that the appropriate response for those who disagree with court decisions is to appeal, not to attack the judges personally.

Their comments echo Chief Justice John Roberts' warning in his end-of-year report about "illegitimate activity" aimed at undermining the judicial branch. The judges' concerns highlight the importance of protecting the judiciary and ensuring its independence in a functioning democracy.