Bloomberg Law Weekend Law: Judges Threatened, Sacred Tribal Site & Death Penalty
Sep 20, 2025
Bloomberg legal reporter Madlin Mekelburg dives into the high-stakes case of Tyler Robinson, who faces charges for the shooting of activist Charlie Kirk, including the implications of seeking the death penalty. Retired judges Andre Davis and Paul Michel highlight the alarming rise in threats against judges and the urgent need for judicial independence. Heather Whiteman Runs Him discusses the Western Apache's struggle to protect sacred lands at Oak Flat from mining, emphasizing tribal religious rights and recent legal strategies for preservation.
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Judges Describe Personal Harassment
- Judge John McConnell received hundreds of death threats after blocking a Trump freeze on federal aid.
- One judge described over 400 vile voicemails and six credible death threats against his life.
Educate Public On Judges’ Role
- Educate the public about judges' proper role to reduce intimidation and misinformation.
- Emphasize that judges apply written law and precedents, not political agendas.
Shadow Docket Warps Public Perception
- The Supreme Court's terse reversals on the shadow docket create a distorted public view of lower courts.
- That distortion fuels claims that lower judges oppose the administration despite careful, reasoned rulings.