Threats against judges in Trump-related cases soar
Apr 2, 2024
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Reuters reporter Ned Parker discusses the surge in threats against judges presiding over Trump-related cases, including the need for heightened security measures. They touch on the challenges faced by court officials and the impact of such threats on public trust in the judiciary.
Threats against judges, fueled by Trump's rhetoric, have surged, prompting increased protective measures.
Rising hostility towards judges reflects broader breakdown in public trust, posing challenges for judiciary system.
Deep dives
Increased Threats Against Judges Connected to Donald Trump
Judges presiding over cases involving Donald Trump are facing an unprecedented level of threats and hostility, far surpassing threats from other criminal elements. The abuse and hostility towards judges have dramatically risen since the multiple lawsuits and legal actions following the 2020 election. This surge in threats has strained the U.S. Marshall Service's ability to manage and differentiate between serious threats and empty rhetoric. The escalation of aggression coincides with Trump's derogatory comments about the judiciary system and judges, creating a challenging environment for court officials.
Challenges in Protecting Judges and Addressing Threats
The surge in threats has not only affected federal judges but also state and local judges, reflecting a broader breakdown in public trust towards the judiciary system. State judges, particularly in areas with politically charged cases, have experienced a sharp increase in threats and harassment, leading to concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of the court system. While legislation has been introduced to safeguard judges' personal information, the prevalence of online information sharing poses a significant challenge in preventing harassment. The use of inflammatory language in public discourse further exacerbates the volatile environment, making it difficult to deescalate tensions.
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Challenges Faced by Judges in Trump-related Cases Amid Rising Threats
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro speaks with Reuters reporter Ned Parker.
On Monday Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the New York hush money case, expanded a gag order to protect his own family. That's after former President Donald Trump repeatedly attacked the judge's daughter on Truth Social. In his ruling Judge Merchan wrote, "the threat is very real."
This follows a recent report out from Reuters that found threats against federal judges, prosecutors, judicial staff and court buildings has tripled since 2015. Judges in federal Trump-related cases often receive death threats, credible enough to warrant protection from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Topics include: - Increase in threats - Connection to Trump - Judges and U.S. Marshals' response