The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Besieged District Judges, with Reynolds Holding and Judge Jed Rakoff
Dec 3, 2025
Reynolds Holding, a seasoned journalist and author, joins U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff to delve into the critical role of district judges in the legal system. They discuss Holding's book highlighting resilient judges who defend judicial authority amidst a 'war on the courts.' Rakoff shares his firsthand experiences with rising threats against judges, and they critique the Supreme Court's emergency rulings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of district judges in ensuring access to justice and maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
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Claims Of War On The Courts Have Historical Echoes
- Historical waves of institutional pushback have repeatedly reduced judicial access and authority.
- Reynolds Holding connects past campaigns against courts to current rhetoric framing a "war on the courts."
Rising Threats Don't Overturn Judicial Independence
- Threats against judges have increased recently and can affect judges' awareness though not usually their rulings.
- Jed Rakoff notes the system's independence helps judges decide without direct fear of retaliation.
Judge Rakoff's Voicemail Threat Story
- Jed Rakoff recounts a threatening voicemail where he engaged the caller to enable marshals to trace the threat.
- The caller was arrested and Rakoff learned the caller was angry about a different judge's decision.
