Roberts blasts elected officials trying to influence and intimidate judges

In his annual year-end report, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts expressed disdain for public officials who have tried to coerce and intimidate judges over the last year.

Attempts to go beyond standard criticism of judges as they weigh in on important cases, to outright intimidation or calls to ignore their decisions, are examples of “illegitimate activity,” Roberts said in his annual report released every year on New Year’s Eve.

“Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed,” Roberts wrote in the 15-page report. “Public officials certainly have a right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be mindful that intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others.”