In his 2024 year-end report, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stern warning about the threats to judicial independence, particularly highlighting the risk posed by defying court rulings. While the report does not directly mention President-elect Donald Trump, it appears to be directed at the executive branch, urging respect for judicial decisions. The Chief Justice’s remarks come at a critical moment in U.S. history, as the nation prepares for a change in leadership.
Roberts begins the report with a historical anecdote from December 1761, when King George III attempted to strip colonial judges of their lifetime appointments, instead making them serve “at the pleasure of the Crown.” This act was seen as a direct challenge to the long-standing principle that judges should serve during “good behavior,” a tradition that had been codified in the 1701 Act of Settlement in England. The King’s decree was met with resistance from the American colonists, who viewed it as yet another example of the Crown’s disregard for their rights. This event became one of the grievances that led to the Declaration of Independence, where figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson expressed their opposition to such royal overreach.
The Chief Justice uses this historical context to underscore the importance of respecting judicial independence. He goes on to warn of a more contemporary threat: the defiance of lawful judgments by courts of competent jurisdiction. This, Roberts argues, represents the “final threat” to judicial independence. While acknowledging that no administration is immune to losing cases in court, Roberts stresses that the tradition of respecting court decisions has held strong in the U.S. for decades, even when the rulings are unpopular or have significant implications for executive or legislative power. However, in recent years, there have been instances where elected officials from both political parties have suggested ignoring or defying court rulings. Roberts condemns such rhetoric, emphasizing that it must be unequivocally rejected to preserve the integrity of the judicial system.
The report also touches on other challenges to the judiciary, including violence, intimidation, and the spread of disinformation. These threats, Roberts notes, can undermine public trust in the courts and the broader justice system. He highlights the importance of maintaining the independence of judges and courts, as this is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the courts remain impartial and fair in their decision-making.
In his concluding remarks, Roberts calls for a unity of purpose among the three branches of government. He emphasizes that while judges must remain within their designated roles and responsibilities, they must also respect the work of elected officials, who represent the will of the people. Roberts expresses confidence that the federal judiciary, along with officials in the executive and legislative branches, will continue to fulfill their duties with a focus on cooperation and mutual respect. This, he believes, is key to the continued success of the nation and the preservation of its democratic institutions.
