Chief Justice John Roberts made that point, condemning elected officials who threatened judges and ignored the court's rulings. Tuesday's year-end report It's part of what Roberts called “illegal activity” that threatens the rule of law.
Roberts did not name specific people, but said a federal district judge's “ruling in a high-profile case” led to elected officials calling for her impeachment and a bar association calling for her “defense.” He said that caused the need to “stand up”.
“Attempts to intimidate judges over their decisions in cases are inappropriate and should be firmly opposed,” Roberts wrote. “Public servants certainly have the right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be aware that moderation in their comments about judges may invite dangerous reactions from others.”
During his nearly 20-year tenure as chief justice, Roberts has focused on the court's image and moving it away from partisan politics. His comments came as public confidence in courts near record lows and concerns about the safety of judges are heightened due to a heightened threat environment.
The report does not mention President-elect Trump, but the announcement comes as Republicans are expected to take unified control of Washington when Trump returns to the White House next month. Mr. Trump has regularly accused judges overseeing his cases of political bias, and during his first term, Mr. Roberts publicly criticized judges appointed by former President Barack Obama, a rarity at the time. was reprimanded on the spot.
The Secretary's report also criticized elected officials who openly ignore federal court rulings, calling them “dangerous proposals” that should be rejected. It wasn't clear who Roberts was referring to, but he said the calls were coming from “across the political spectrum.”
“It's not in the nature of the judiciary's job to make everyone happy. There are winners and losers in most cases. Every administration loses in the court system, but it's not in the essence of the judiciary's job to make everyone happy. may have a significant impact,” Roberts wrote.
He has frequently used the annual Federal Judiciary Report, published on New Year's Eve, to focus on the independence and physical safety of judges. Roberts has worked on topics such as artificial intelligence in other years as well.
This year, he again sounded the alarm about violence against judges, highlighting how threats are being made online and in the form of private records. Roberts noted that some federal judges now have full-time security guards or are issued bulletproof vests for public events.
“In today's computer age, threats can take many forms. Disappointed litigants are outraged by judicial decisions on the internet and are asking readers to send messages to judges,” Roberts said. I wrote it.
“They falsely claim that the judge decided the case for them because of the judge's race, gender, ethnicity, or the political party of the president who appointed the judge. Some incite violence, such as setting fire to or blowing up the courthouse where the target works,” he continued.
Roberts concluded by briefly saying that the federal courts, along with other branches, “must do their part” to maintain the public's trust.
“We as auditors must stay within our assigned areas of responsibility and do our best at our level.
We will handle these responsibilities fairly,” the report says.
“We do so by limiting ourselves to 'cases and controversies' and by maintaining a healthy respect for the work of elected officials on behalf of the people. “I am confident that our counterparts in the United States and other departments will be able to make fair decisions and faithfully carry out their duties to achieve the 'successful cooperation' that is essential to our nation's continued success.” added.
