Chief Justice Roberts delivered a stern warning at the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina: aggressive political rhetoric aimed at judges can incite threats and violence. Highlighting real-world consequences—from the 2020 murder of a judge’s son to a 2022 assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh and killings of state judges in Maryland and Kentucky—Roberts emphasized that demeaning statements from political figures pose serious risks.
Roberts refrained from naming specific individuals but clearly referenced remarks from both ends of the political spectrum, including President Trump labeling judges as “radical left” or “Obama judges,” and Senate Minority Leader Schumer warning that certain justices would “pay the price”. He stressed that judicial disagreements should be addressed through legislative or appellate channels—not intimidation or threats.
Acknowledging the courtroom pressures, Roberts also reflected on the Supreme Court’s workload and internal dynamics. He noted that his administrative duties—including managing the case backlog—require both coordination and deference from colleagues.
His comments follow similar calls for restraint. Two Trump-appointed appellate judges recently urged increased funding for judicial security and condemned impeachments pursued for political reasons. Former Justice Anthony Kennedy also warned that targeting judges undermines democracy and weakens the rule of law.
Roberts’ remarks underscore a growing concern: hostile political language targeting the judiciary erodes judicial independence and exposes judges—and their families—to real danger. He called on all public figures—Republican and Democrat alike—to temper their language and uphold the integrity and safety of the courts.
