Legislators Step Up Attacks on Judicial Independence

March 12 2025

Legislators have gone so far as to claim it’s “a myth” that courts have the power to strike down laws. So far, however, the most aggressive proposals to strip power from judges have been defeated.

Republican lawmakers across the country are seeking to dismantle checks and balances by trying to give themselves new power over both courts in general and individual judges. These legislators are responding to court rulings they don’t like with radical proposals to restructure the courts or judicial elections.

It’s not unusual to have such power grabs proposed as new legislatures are seated after elections. But this year, there are bills that go much further than usual to undermine or politicize the courts. These attacks on state courts follow threats against federal judges who have stood in the way of the current presidential administration.

Read more at Governing,com