The official’s choice to refer to the judges by name jeopardized their safety, the ABA said
The American Bar Association has criticized a US administration official for making social media posts disparaging judges – and referring to them by name.
The organization said in a media release that the official’s decision to do so was “part of the growing pattern of threats, intimidation and personal attacks directed at our judiciary.” It reiterated its heavy condemnation of government officials who made personal attacks on judges.
The ABA urged public officials, lawyers, and citizens to “reject rhetoric that targets judges or seeks to delegitimize the judiciary because of disagreement with a particular decision.”
“Words matter. Public officials have a responsibility to engage in civil discourse that respects the independence and integrity of our courts,” the organization said.
It pointed out that judges must be allowed to rule on cases based on “the facts, the law and the Constitution” rather than in consideration of their safety or those of their families. While parties are permitted to disagree with and challenge judicial decisions, they should not undercut the rule of law.
“Personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, baseless accusations and calls to remove judges because of their rulings cross a dangerous line,” the ABA said. “They undermine public confidence in the judiciary, threaten judicial independence and erode the rule of law. The separation of powers depends on fair and impartial courts that can fulfill their constitutional responsibilities free from political pressure, retaliation or fear.”
The organization sounded a call for members of the legal profession to defend courts, judges, and the rule of law.
“Judicial independence is not a partisan principle. It is a cornerstone of our democracy and essential to preserving public trust in the administration of justice,” the ABA said.
The issue of judges facing personal attacks for their decisions is not new. Last year, Rhode Island district judge John J. McConnell, Jr. and Washington district judge Robert S. Lasnik were threatened via “pizza doxing.” In January, Tippecanoe County Superior Court judge Steven P. Meyer and his wife Kimberly were shot at their Lafayette home.
US president Donald Trump has himself fueled attacks on judges by making social media posts slamming courts over decisions that did not favor him, including the February Supreme Court ruling that struck down the legality of many global tariffs he had wanted to impose.
