A surge in threats against federal judges has raised alarms about the safety of the U.S. judiciary and the integrity of democratic institutions. Since Donald Trump’s presidency, intimidation of judges has escalated dramatically, with 162 judges threatened in just six weeks this year—more than double the number recorded over the previous five months. At a …
Doug Ford has increasingly made judges a political target, treating attacks on them as a routine talking point. At the recent Premiers’ conference, he called judges “weak-kneed” over bail reform, and in the past he has dismissed judicial independence as a “joke,” floated the idea of electing judges, and vowed to appoint only “like-minded” ones. …
A Reuters investigation reveals that President Trump’s aggressive campaign against major U.S. law firms is chilling pro bono work and weakening legal defenses for vulnerable populations. In a stark break from precedent, Trump has issued executive orders targeting law firms for taking on cases related to immigration, LGBTQ rights, and challenges to his administration. The …
On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing human rights abuses and political persecution in the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro. De Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial for allegedly plotting to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat, faces asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act. This …
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a formal complaint against District Judge James Boasberg, accusing him of misconduct and demanding his removal from a key deportation case. The complaint stems from Boasberg’s reported private remarks expressing concern that the Trump administration might ignore court rulings—comments DOJ officials claim undermine public trust in the judiciary. The …
In a speech at the Ninth Circuit’s judicial conference, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan expressed strong concerns about the Court’s increasing reliance on the “shadow docket” — emergency rulings issued without full briefing, oral arguments, or detailed explanation. She urged caution, noting that such untransparent decisions can undermine lower courts and judicial accountability. Kagan’s …
In New Jersey on July 22, a panel of federal judges refused to extend the interim tenure of Alina Habba – a former lawyer for President Donald Trump – as U.S. Attorney. They instead appointed career prosecutor Desiree Grace to replace Habba, whose 120-day term was expiring. Hours later, Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi removed …
In a heartfelt farewell after 30 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley emphasized judicial independence and the importance of public trust in the courts. Reflecting on her tenure, she highlighted changes in the court’s composition and role, yet underscored enduring dedication to the rule of law. Known for her principled …
At a judicial conference in North Carolina, Chief Justice John Roberts cautioned that hostile political rhetoric directed at judges can incite violence. While not naming specific individuals, Roberts acknowledged issuing statements in response to inflammatory remarks from both Republican and Democratic officials. His comments follow a rise in threats and attacks on judges, including several …
In a major legal rebuke, a fourth federal judge has struck down a Trump executive order targeting the elite law firm Susman Godfrey. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, deemed the order “unconstitutional from beginning to end,” echoing prior decisions that permanently blocked similar actions against Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and …