As threats to judicial independence intensify across the country, the National Judicial College (NJC) today joined with leading judicial organizations in issuing a Joint Statement in Support of the Independence of the Judiciary. The statement strongly reaffirms the foundational principle that judges must be free to decide cases in accordance with the law and the Constitution—without fear of retaliation, intimidation or threats of violence.
The joint statement echoes and endorses recent remarks by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., defending the independence of the judiciary and denouncing efforts to intimidate or undermine judges who issue rulings that may be unpopular.
“On this Law Day—more aptly, Rule of Law Day—we reaffirm that the independence of the judiciary is the cornerstone of a free and democratic society,” said Hon. Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president of the National Judicial College. “When judges are free to apply the law without fear, favor, or intimidation, justice prevails. In standing with our colleagues across the nation, we send a clear message: impartial and courageous judging is not only the backbone of justice, but essential to preserving the public’s trust in our courts and the very rule of law that separates democracy from tyranny.”
The statement emphasizes that threats and acts of violence directed at judges and their families are unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally.
“At the heart of our democracy is the promise of fair and independent justice,” said Hon. Mary-Margaret Anderson (Ret.), chair of the NJC Board of Trustees. “When judges are attacked or intimidated for doing their jobs, it jeopardizes not only individual lives, but the very institutions that protect our rights and freedoms.”
Other signatories include the National Association of Women Judges, Federal Judges Association, Federal Magistrate Judges Association, and a coalition of national and international judicial organizations.
To read the full statement, visit: https://www.judges.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Jt-Statement-in-Support-of-Judicial-Independence-May-12-2025.pdf
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