Judicial Transparency vs. Security
To promote safety against retaliation.
What ethical principle requires judges to make rulings based solely on the law, without personal bias or outside influence?
Judicial impartiality.
What is one argument in favor of making a judge’s personal information publicly available, especially in the age of digital transparency?
It ensures accountability and openness, allowing the public to see who is making legal decisions that impact their lives.
What tragic event led to increased discussions about judicial security and doxxing laws in the U.S.?
The attack on Judge Esther Salas’s family in 2020, where her son was killed and her husband was injured.
If a judge fears retaliation, how might that impact their decision-making?
They might rule more cautiously or avoid controversial decisions, undermining justice.
What is one potential downside of having a judge’s personal address easily accessible to the public?
It increases the risk of doxxing, harassment, and physical threats against the judge and their family
What is one potential risk of keeping judicial information too private?
It could reduce public trust in the judicial system by making judges appear unaccountable.
What is the term for when a judge is pressured or influenced by personal threats to change their legal ruling?
Judicial intimidation.
Supporters of judicial transparency argue that public access to a judge’s personal information is crucial for democratic engagement. What is a counter-argument to this perspective?
Judges may be deterred from making impartial decisions if they fear personal retaliation, which could undermine judicial independence and fairness.