In a landmark ruling, a federal court struck down a 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump targeting WilmerHale, a prominent law firm, as unconstitutional. The court found that the Order—part of a broader pattern …
Judges: Targets and Resistance
Judges in Nicaragua now answer to police under Ortega and Murillo’s rule
In a major blow to judicial independence, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have formally subordinated Nicaragua’s courts to the National Police, according to a leaked directive requiring police approval for all court-ordered …
Justice Sonia Sotomayor says lawyers should stand up and fight amid turmoil in nation’s legal system
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a powerful call to action, urging lawyers to defend the legal system amid escalating political attacks on judges and legal institutions. Speaking at an American Bar Association event in Washington, she …
Retired judges criticize Trump admin over arrest of Milwaukee County judge: ‘Embarrassing spectacle’
More than 150 retired state and federal judges have signed a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and escalating threats against the judiciary. The letter, addressed to Attorney …
Chief Justice Roberts says judicial independence is key to checking Congress and the president
Amid growing political attacks on the judiciary, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered a firm defense of judicial independence, stating that an autonomous judiciary is essential to balance the powers of Congress and the presidency. …
Mexican Federal Judges File Human Rights Petition to IACHR on Recent Judicial Reform: Vance Center Files on Judges’ Behalf
Fourteen current and former Mexican federal judges have filed a human rights petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alleging that Mexico’s controversial 2024 judicial reform violated their rights and undermined judicial independence. …
These judges ruled against Trump. Then their families came under attack
A new Reuters investigation has uncovered a disturbing wave of threats and harassment directed at U.S. federal judges and their families after rulings against the Trump administration. At least 11 judges and their relatives have …
Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Perkins Coie
On May 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell permanently struck down an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order, which revoked security clearances and …
US judge arrested after allegedly obstructing immigration agents
On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by federal agents and charged with obstruction and concealing an individual to avoid arrest. The charges stem from an incident in her courtroom …
Maldives: Judiciary’s Independence Threatened
Human Rights Watch has called on the Maldives government to reinstate three Supreme Court justices—Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood—who were suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) under what observers …