The Last Line of Defense: Why Judicial Independence Still Matters
As attacks on judges grow louder and more dangerous, defending the courts has become a civic imperative.
When I feel like our democracy is on shaky ground, there’s one place I find myself looking for an anchor: the courts. Not because they’re flawless—they’re run by people, after all, with all the history and human struggle that implies—but because they are our last, best line of defense when the rule of law itself starts to fray. While we have three co-equal branches of government in theory, the courts are the only one specifically designed to protect our rights when a president or Congress goes too far. That makes their independence the bedrock of our freedom.
And this isn’t just some abstract idea. It’s the reason a landmark case like Marbury v. Madison gave courts the power to strike down unconstitutional laws in the first place. It’s why United States v. Nixon forced a sitting president to release incriminating tapes, proving that no one—not even the most powerful person in the world—is above the law. It’s why Boumediene v. Bush ensured that even detainees at Guantanamo Bay had basic legal rights, affirming that our constitutional protections must hold, especially in times of fear. They were moral statements about the kind of country we want to be.
Of course, the courts have never been completely immune to politics. Powerful people have tried to bend the judiciary to their will for centuries. In 1869, Congress actually stripped the Supreme Court of its power in the middle of a case to stop a ruling on Reconstruction they didn’t like. In the 1930s, FDR threatened to pack the court with new justices just to push his New Deal legislation through. The public backlash to that plan helped solidify the idea that our courts must remain above the political fray. Even the controversial Bush v. Gore decision in 2000 strained public trust. Yet through all these pressures, the institution itself remained intact.
But the attacks today feel different. It’s not just the volume; it’s the strategy. Judges aren’t just being challenged in court or criticized on the Hill anymore. They are being personally targeted, threatened, and in some cases, physically harmed. The line between political disagreement and a deliberate attempt to delegitimize our entire legal system is getting dangerously thin. Donald Trump’s strategy now includes suing judges, branding them “enemies,” and claiming they’re part of a “deep state” conspiracy. Across the country, judges have been doxxed, swatted, and sent death threats. A California judge was threatened after ruling against a right-wing group.
In one of the most tragic examples, U.S. District Judge Esther Salas lost her only child, Daniel Anderl, in 2020. A disgruntled lawyer came to their New Jersey home disguised as a delivery driver and opened fire. He was there to kill Judge Salas; instead, he killed her 20-year-old son. In a truly grotesque twist, pizzas have recently been sent to the homes of other judges across the country, with Daniel’s name listed as the sender—a chilling attempt to weaponize a family’s grief. It’s gotten so bad that some judges now have federal marshals stationed at their homes.
Right-wing media doesn’t just echo these attacks—it pours gasoline on the fire. What starts as an inflammatory comment at a rally or on social media is quickly amplified across platforms like Fox News, OANN, and Truth Social. Judges are framed as “rogue,” “treasonous,” or “corrupt.” They’re cast as “deep state operatives” or “enemies of the people.” This feedback loop turns legal accountability into a story of partisan persecution, priming viewers to see any unfavorable ruling not as a constitutional guardrail, but as a political vendetta.
You don’t need a law degree to defend our courts. You just need courage and a willingness to speak up. As the attacks grow louder, our response has to be stronger and more visible. All over the country, people are finding creative, grassroots ways to stand up for the independence of our judicial system. These actions reaffirm our shared belief in justice.
Some people are showing up in person, organizing or attending rallies at local courthouses. Lawyers and community members have hosted “Stand with the Courts” events to remind the public of the judiciary’s role. Others are fighting back with their words, submitting letters to the editor or opinion pieces defending judges under attack. These can completely shift the public conversation, especially at the local level. Social media can be a powerful tool, too—for sharing quotes from important rulings, promoting resources on how our courts work, and amplifying voices that defend judicial independence with hashtags like #StandWithJudges or #RuleOfLawNow.
Supporting judicial security is another vital step. Some people have formed neighborhood watch groups to support judges living in their communities. Advocates are pushing for stronger protection measures, like the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. And simple civic education can make a huge difference. Hosting discussions about how the courts function—especially with young people or new voters—helps build a long-term defense against these attacks.
The courts can’t hold a press conference or hire a pundit to defend themselves. They have to rely on us, the public, to uphold their legitimacy and ensure their safety. If we want to protect this vital pillar of our democracy, our voices have to be louder than the attacks. So, this week, find one way to show your support. Write something. Attend something. Watch out for your community. Speak up. Your voice matters more than you know.