DOJ Needs to Enforce the Law and Protect Justices

The far left’s efforts to intimidate, harass, and even do harm to Supreme Court justices have taken another nasty turn

A group offering bounty payments for sightings of conservative Supreme Court justices is the latest harassment campaign prompting Republican lawmakers to call for immediate action by the Justice Department.

While it is definitely the right thing to do to protect Supreme Court justices and all judges, it may also be what the law demands:

But for conservative activists and Republican lawmakers, the actions by some protesters targeting justices' homes and their dining establishments is a violation of "clear federal law," Judicial Crisis Network President Carrie Severino told the Washington Examiner.

. . .

Cruz cited 18 U.S. Code §1507, a federal statute that makes it illegal to try to “influence” a justice, judge, or juror by demonstrating outside the person’s residence. Such laws have often been touted by court watchers wary that intense demonstrations may threaten judicial independence by harassing jurists and disturbing their neighbors, additionally leaving their families susceptible to threats or intimidation.

"With people in front of the justices' homes, you can have 99% of them be peaceful, and you've got one crazy person like the guy who tried to kill Kavanaugh," Severino said, adding that "it doesn't matter if most of them are peaceful. That's why those laws exist."

As Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said:  

Attacking a core American institution like the Supreme Court from the world stage is below the dignity of the President. Beyond that, President Biden’s attacks on the Court are unmerited and dangerous. He’s upset that the Court said the people, through their elected representatives, will have a say on abortion policy. That does not destabilize democracy – it affirms it. By contrast, it is behavior like the President’s that undermines equal justice and the rule of law.

Democratic leaders have sadly refused to condemn the intimidation of Supreme Court justices.  Leaders of all parties should condemn these attacks and the Department of Justice should do its job and protect the justices.