As threats against federal judges surge amid escalating rhetoric from President Trump, calls are growing to transfer authority over judicial security from the U.S. Marshals Service to the federal judiciary itself. In a PBS NewsHour interview aired on May 27, 2025, former federal judge Jeremy Fogel described the unprecedented atmosphere of hostility, stressing the psychological …
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 of Executive actions against law firms perceived as adversarial—was a retaliatory measure that violated WilmerHale’s First and Fifth Amendment rights. …
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 property seizures, evictions, and arrests related to property crimes. This effectively places law enforcement—led by Ortega’s son-in-law—above the judiciary in …
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 emphasized the need for “trained and passionate” lawyers to fight for justice and protect those who cannot defend themselves, warning …
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 General Pamela Bondi, denounces recent actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate judges who have ruled against the administration. The arrest …
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. Speaking in Buffalo at an event marking the 125th anniversary of the federal courts in Western New York, Roberts emphasized …
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. Filed by the Vance Center for International Justice, the petition highlights how the reform—enacted under former President Andrés Manuel López …
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 been targeted, with incidents ranging from online death threats and doxxing to bomb scares, “swatting” incidents, and anonymous pizza deliveries …
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 government access for all Perkins Coie employees, was ruled unconstitutional. Judge Howell emphasized the unprecedented nature of the order, stating …
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 where Judge Dugan allegedly helped a Mexican national evade immigration agents during a scheduled court appearance. The FBI claims Dugan …