Wyo. lawyers and judges denounce recent attacks on the judiciary

Over a hundred members of the Wyoming bar came together this week to denounce increasing attacks on judges and the independence of the judicial branch of government. They delivered a letter to Senators Barrasso and Lummis and Representative Hageman asking each of them to publicly denounce these attacks.

Retired former Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Golden explained, “The judiciary lacks the Executive’s bully pulpit or the Legislature’s power to defend itself. It does not have its own social media platform. Sitting judges are not permitted to publicly discuss their decisions. We are speaking out as one and strenuously urging our Congressional delegation to do the same because the threats are serious and our sitting judges cannot defend themselves.”

In the aftermath of January 6th, many of the same members of the Wyoming bar spoke out to condemn the violence caused by the spread of misinformation about the 2020 Presidential election. Today’s letter calls out the new “disinformation in the form of attacks on judges who have ruled against DOGE’s unprecedented actions” which has resulted in unfounded calls for impeachment and threats to the personal safety of judges and their families.

The Federal Judges Association recently issued a similar statement, warning of the Constitutional danger of the present moment: “Any erosion in the independence of the judiciary is a threat to our Constitution and to democratic rule of law. Ensuring judicial security is not just about protecting individuals, it is about preserving the integrity of our legal system and the public’s trust in an impartial judiciary.”

Today’s letter asks Wyoming’s federal representatives, two of whom are members of the Wyoming bar, to adhere to their oaths to uphold the Constitution by publicly condemning these growing threats, affirming judicial independence, and reminding Americans that appeals—not violence, intimidation, or invitations to lawlessness—are the constitutional remedy for undesired court decisions.

This press release was originally shared on March 26.