Judge Esther Salas on Toning Down Inflammatory Rhetoric Against Judges

Rising Threats Against Judges

• ⚠️ The US Marshals Service tracked over 540 threats against federal judges this year, exceeding the previous year's total.
• 🎯 A father involved in a custody case was sentenced to 15 years for sending a graphic video depicting the murder of a Florida judge.
• 🍕 Judges have received intimidating pizza deliveries, some with the name 'Daniel' (Judge Salas's son), as a tactic to instill fear and convey "we know where you live."

The Need for Responsible Language

• 🗣️ Political leaders must be responsible with their language when describing judges, rulings, and the justice system.
• 🤝 Society needs to learn to disagree better and start by agreeing to disagree, with change beginning at the top.
• 💬 Inflammatory rhetoric can lead individuals to believe they need to take matters into their own hands, resulting in violence.

Addressing Misinformation and Protecting Judiciary

• 🏛️ The Esther Academy, a middle school named after Judge Salas's son, aims to teach civics, respect for government branches, and the importance of an independent judiciary.
• 📚 There is a critical need to teach civics to counter misinformation that the justice system is not working or that judges are out of control.
• ⚖️ Legislation like the Countering Threats and Attacks on Judges Act is crucial, with a call for bipartisan support to protect both federal and state judges.

Importance of an Independent Judiciary

• 📜 Judges are following their oaths, and it is essential to educate students about the rule of law, the Constitution, and democracy.
• 🌐 An independent judiciary is fundamental for the existence of the rule of law in any society.