Democracy Imperiled: Confronting Threats to Judicial Independence.

The article focuses on the critical importance of an independent federal judiciary as established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution and the unprecedented challenges it faces since January 2020. It highlights how actions by former President Donald Trump, including undermining executive agencies, bypassing Congress, and surrounding himself with partisan officials, have weakened traditional checks and balances, leaving federal courts as the primary safeguard against government overreach. The judiciary has faced unprecedented verbal attacks, meritless disciplinary actions, and threats to judges’ safety, prompting retired and sitting judges, as well as legal professionals, to mobilize in defense of judicial independence. The article underscores that preserving an independent judiciary is essential to maintaining the rule of law and the survival of American democracy. [Extracted from the article]