LIVE: Lawyers and Fmr. Judges STRIKE BACK as Trump Threatens Courts

Judges across federal and state systems are facing direct, high-level criticism and attacks, leading to an erosion of public trust and creating a dangerous environment. This includes being unfairly maligned, called "criminals," and subjected to threats.

Judge Donald states, "Judges are under attack in this country as never before. People from the highest level of governments have criticized judges, criticized judges work, unfairly maligned judges." Paul Keel also references a clip where a president calls judges "criminals."

The independent judiciary ensures that no individual, regardless of wealth, position, or political affiliation, is above the law, providing equal access and impartial justice for all citizens and corporations.

Judge Jones explains, "the third branch is the great leveler, and and gives everyone properly functioning the equal access to a system that is designed to not operate with fear or favor in any way." Justice O'Connor adds that 95% of cases are in state courts, where individuals want an independent judge.

The constant vilification and marginalization of judges by political figures lead to a dangerous erosion of public confidence and an increase in physical threats against judicial officers and their families. This rhetoric can incite individuals to violence, believing they are acting on behalf of a political cause.

Justice Sakakawi recounts receiving "extreme violent threats" after speaking out against a federal action in 2017, including detailed threats of how she would be killed. Judge Jones notes that rhetoric can "play to that fringe who believe they're doing the work of a benefactor when they strike out."

The increasing use of the Supreme Court's emergency docket, or "shadow docket," for major decisions without full briefing or argument, is problematic. It shapes jurisprudence without adequate deliberation and leaves lower courts without necessary guidance, creating legal uncertainty.

Judge Donald describes the shadow docket as a "streamline procedure where you don't have the benefit of full briefing and the argument," leading to decisions on "really major things" that leave lower courts without guidance. Judge Jones calls it "maddening" for district judges who must "read the tea leaves."

A significant gap in civics education leaves many citizens unaware of the fundamental structure and functions of government, particularly the independent role of the judiciary. This lack of understanding makes the public more susceptible to misinformation and less equipped to defend democratic institutions.

Justice O'Connor states, "our education system undereducates our children... when it comes to civics and how governments work." Justice Sakakawi adds that "people do not understand the three branches of government" and the judiciary's vital check and balance role.