Fearing that recent attacks could undermine judicial independence, Chief Justice John Roberts recently voiced concerns over the “endangered” rule of law.
During a speech at Georgetown Law, Roberts discussed the increasing criticism of judges, particularly those whose decisions impact President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Addressing graduating law students, Roberts underscored the rarity and importance of the rule of law throughout history and in today’s world.
“The notion that rule of law governs is the basic proposition,” the Chief Justice Roberts said.
“Certainly as a matter of theory, but also as a matter of practice, we need to stop and reflect every now and then how rare that is, certainly rare throughout history, and rare in the world today,” he added.
He reminded the audience that criticism of court decisions is acceptable, but personal attacks on justices threaten the judiciary’s independence.
“The court has obviously made mistakes throughout its history, and those should be criticized, so long as it is in terms of the decision, really, and not ad hominem against the justices. I just think that doesn’t do any good,” Roberts continued.
This comes amid growing criticism from President Trump and his supporters targeting federal judges, including notable conservatives like Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Such occurrences highlight the tension between the judiciary and executive branches.
Roberts reiterated the need to maintain the judiciary as a coequal branch to check congressional and executive excesses.
The Chief Justice made clear that while critique of judicial rulings is vital, it must avoid descending into personal attacks.
President Trump’s criticism of federal judge James Boasberg and his calls for impeachment marked a significant violation of this principle.
The president called Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator.”
“This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges’ I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!” President Trump wrote.
These remarks prompted Roberts’ rebuke, with the Chief Justice slamming such demands as inappropriate.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s remarks about judges siding with illegal aliens further underscore the rift between the two branches of government.
In particular, Justice Barrett faced criticism from MAGA supporters after siding with liberal justices on key cases, drawing Roberts’ attention to such inappropriate backlash.
Roberts emphasized that attacks on the judiciary should focus on decisions rather than personal attributes of justices, recalling the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom.
Upholding this philosophy ensures the judicial branch remains a vital counterbalance within the government structure, counteracting any potential overreach.
