After man is sentenced for threat to kill chief justice, ABA president says threats risk 'very fabric of our democracy'
ABA President Mary Smith issued a statement Monday that condemned “false statements and scurrilous accusations against judges for partisan, personal gain” that are being made by “national leaders and private citizens.” (Photo courtesy of ABA President Mary Smith)
ABA President Mary Smith issued a statement Monday that condemned “false statements and scurrilous accusations against judges for partisan, personal gain” that are being made by “national leaders and private citizens.”
“Our courts and judges are under attack,” Smith said.
She cited statistics showing 457 serious threats against federal judges last year—which “have doubled since 2019.” Threats put at risk “the very fabric of our democracy—judicial independence and the rule of law,” Smith said.
Smith’s statement followed the sentencing last week of Neal Brij Sidhwaney, 43, of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Sidhwaney was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for transmitting an interstate threat to kill a U.S. Supreme Court justice, according to an April 2 press release.
Chief Justice John Roberts was the targeted justice, report Bloomberg Law, Reuters and CNN.
Prosecutors said Sidhwaney made the threat in a voicemail. A psychological report had indicated that Sidhwaney suffers from “delusional disorder with psychosis,” Reuters said, citing a prior report by Politico.
According to Sidhwaney’s mother, he would become angry while watching the news and would respond by writing letters and emails and making phone calls, according to Reuters.
In her statement, Smith said bar associations should take a leading role in responding to criticism of judges.
“I urge all members of the American Bar Association, as well as other bar association leaders and lawyers nationwide, to rededicate themselves to preserving our nation’s impartial system of justice,” Smith said.
“Every one of us must stand up for our judges and their staffs and engage in the civic education needed to help the public understand how our courts work, the crucial role of independent judges in a functioning democracy, and why their integrity must be defended and their safety ensured.”
