The fair and impartial administration of justice is a cornerstone of the American legal system, yet this foundational principle is increasingly under threat. Across the country, judges and court personnel are facing alarming levels of intimidation, harassment, and violence, jeopardizing not only their safety but the public’s confidence in the judiciary.
This year, ABA members are advocating for swift congressional action to improve judicial security by supporting legislation that would establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center. This initiative is modeled after existing protections for federal judges but is aimed at safeguarding the nearly 30,000 judges and court personnel who serve in state and local courts across the country.
Every day, judges preside over cases involving family disputes, custody, housing, criminal proceedings, and other emotionally charged matters. While most litigants accept the outcomes of their cases, a growing number have responded with threats — and, in some tragic instances, physical violence.
The proposed State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center would address this gap by offering:
- Standardized threat reporting and data collection;
- A national database to track and assess threats;
- Technical assistance, training, and best practices for courts, judicial officers, and law enforcement; and
- Physical security assessments of courthouses and other facilities.
ABA members will advocate for this legislation during ABA Day 2025 to ensure that state and local judges have the same access to protective resources as their federal counterparts. Judges must be able to make impartial decisions based on the law, free from the influence of fear or the threat of harm.