On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered a powerful speech denouncing the Trump administration's “relentless attacks” on federal judges, which she asserted pose a significant threat to the rule of law. Speaking at a conference for judges in Puerto Rico, Justice Jackson emphasized the alarming rise in threats judges face, stating, “Across the nation, judges are facing increased threats of not only physical violence but also professional retaliation just for doing our jobs.”
Justice Jackson's remarks resonated deeply with the audience, leading to a standing ovation. She highlighted that these attacks are not random; rather, they appear to be intentionally aimed at intimidating judges who perform essential roles within the judicial system. Although she did not explicitly mention Donald Trump, her comments were pointedly directed at “the elephant in the room,” referencing the former president's consistent criticism of the judiciary and its members.
Jackson's 18-minute address is the most robust condemnation from any Supreme Court member since Trump began his second term. The backdrop of her speech included Trump's derogatory remarks about Judge James Boasberg, whom he labeled a “troublemaker” and “Radical Left Lunatic” after the judge ruled against the illegal deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador. Furthermore, House Republicans have sought to impeach at least six judges who have blocked key components of the president's agenda, demonstrating a coordinated effort to undermine judicial independence.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Jackson referenced various incidents where judges faced threats. Earlier this month, a Wisconsin County Court judge was arrested by the FBI for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant in evading arrest. Other judges who defied the administration have faced bomb threats and physical violence, creating an atmosphere of fear within the judiciary. Notably, Jackson mentioned the case of a New Jersey judge who received a pizza addressed to her murdered son, an example of the disturbing intimidation tactics being employed.
Jackson articulated that these attacks are not merely isolated incidents but rather a systematic assault on democracy and the integrity of the judicial system. “The threats and harassment are attacks on our democracy, on our system of government, and they ultimately risk undermining our Constitution and the rule of law,” she asserted. This alarming trend echoes similar challenges faced by judges during pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Watergate scandal.
Justice Jackson's call for safeguarding judicial independence is crucial. She remarked, “A society in which judges are routinely made to fear for their own safety or their own livelihood due to their decisions is one that has substantially departed from the norms of behavior that govern a democratic system.” She highlighted that “attacks on judicial independence” are characteristic of countries that lack freedom, fairness, and a commitment to the rule of law.
As the newest member of the Supreme Court, appointed in 2022 after serving eight years as a district court judge and later promoted to the appeals court, Justice Jackson is well-acquainted with the pressures faced by judges. Following her prepared remarks, she engaged in a thoughtful discussion about her life and career with a former law clerk, emphasizing her dedication to upholding the principles of justice and judicial independence.
In summary, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's bold stand against the attacks on the judiciary underscores the vital importance of protecting judges from intimidation and harassment. Her remarks serve as a clarion call to uphold the integrity of the judicial system and reinforce the foundational principles of democracy and the rule of law.
