The American Bar Association (ABA) has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of personal attacks, intimidation and threats directed at judges, warning that such rhetoric could undermine judicial independence and weaken public confidence in the rule of law.
In a statement published on its website on Tuesday, the association criticised recent comments by government officials targeting judges and stressed that public officials have a responsibility to maintain civil discourse and respect the independence of the courts.
The ABA said disagreement with court decisions is a normal and protected part of a constitutional democracy, but warned that attacks aimed at delegitimising judges because of their rulings cross a dangerous line.
According to the association, judges must be free to decide cases based on the facts, the law and the Constitution without fear for their personal safety or that of their families.
The statement also referred to recent social media posts by an unnamed administration official that criticised judges by name, saying they reflected an increasing pattern of threats and intimidation against the judiciary.
The ABA emphasised that legal disagreements should be addressed through the appellate process rather than through personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, baseless accusations or calls for judges to be removed because of their decisions.
It warned that such actions could erode public trust in the courts and threaten the separation of powers by subjecting judges to political pressure, retaliation or fear.
Describing judicial independence as a non-partisan principle, the association said it remains a cornerstone of democracy and is essential for preserving confidence in the administration of justice.
The ABA also urged lawyers and members of the legal profession to speak out in defence of the courts, judges and the rule of law.
The organisation said it would continue to support judges and lawyers, promote legal education and encourage public understanding of the importance of an independent judiciary.
The latest statement comes after a similar warning issued by the ABA in March, following comments by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, who said that personally directed hostility toward judges had become dangerous and had gone too far.
At the time, the association expressed concern over the use of labels such as “crooked” and “out of control” against individual judges, arguing that such language was intended to intimidate rather than engage with legal reasoning.
The ABA also said it was alarmed by reports of increasing physical threats, harassment and even alleged assassination plots targeting judges and their families, reiterating that appeals and established legal procedures remain the proper way to challenge court decisions.
