Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Lee, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Tom Cotton have introduced a bill aimed at protecting Supreme Court Justices from intimidation. The legislation, named the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act, proposes to increase the maximum imprisonment term for individuals attempting to influence or intimidate judges.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of judicial independence: “The integrity of our judicial system is dependent on justices being able to interpret the law freely and impartially. I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act to ensure that those who attempt to coerce or intimidate Supreme Court justices face penalties for interfering in the administration of justice. No member of the Court should fear for their or their family’s safety while carrying out their constitutional duty.”

Senator Blackburn supported this sentiment by stating, “Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families. The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Highlighting past threats faced by justices, Senator Lee remarked, “Supreme Court Justices have faced a disturbing number of threats seeking to change the outcomes of cases for political ends. This assault on the rule of law and an independent judiciary cannot stand. Congress must be crystal clear: attempting to intimidate justices and their families will land you in prison for a long time.”

Senator Hyde-Smith added her voice: “It is essential that the judicial branch be able to perform its duties free from threats, fear, intimidation, or coercion. Threats and protests against Supreme Court justices and federal judges are blatant attempts to undermine their independence. I’m proud to once again support this legislation that sends a crystal clear message that these actions will not be tolerated and those responsible will face serious legal consequences.”

Senator Cotton expressed concern over politically motivated threats: “Supreme Court Justices continue to be a target of politically motivated violence and threats of violence. This bill makes clear that anyone who engages in this unlawful activity will face the full extent of the law.”

The introduction of this bill follows reports concerning a plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh before a significant court decision. Past incidents included public protests at justices' homes following a leaked draft opinion related to Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Current federal law prohibits attempts at influencing judges’ decisions through acts such as picketing near residences used by judges under 18 U.S.C. § 1507.

Under previous administrations led by President Biden and Attorney General Garland, no arrests were made under Section 1507 after such demonstrations outside justices' homes post-Dobbs leak.

With potential changes under President Trump’s administration focusing more on law enforcement, there remains an emphasis on congressional action deterring intimidation against federal judiciary members.