Chief Justice Roberts Warns of Threats to Judicial Independence in Year-End Report

Roberts highlights rising dangers from intimidation, disinformation, foreign interference, and defiance of court rulings in his annual judiciary review.

Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the importance of judicial independence, calling it essential to the rule of law and a cornerstone of the U.S. government system.
Roberts identified four key threats to judicial independence: violence and intimidation, disinformation, foreign interference, and disregard for court rulings by public officials.
He noted an increase in threats against judges, including doxing, protests at justices' homes, and a recent assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh, prompting additional security measures.
Roberts expressed concern over disinformation campaigns, including those from foreign actors, which he linked to undermining public confidence in the judiciary, with implications for upcoming cases like the TikTok ban challenge.
The Chief Justice also warned against elected officials suggesting defiance of court rulings, drawing historical parallels to resistance during the desegregation era and urging a recommitment to enforcing judicial decisions.