Women judges see rising threats to their work — and clear paths to defusing them

Current and former federal judges want to help Americans better understand the judiciary while enhancing security.

Sept. 15, 2025 | Candice Norwood | The 19th

Federal judges rarely defend their work publicly. The typical mandate for those in the judiciary is to let their decisions speak for themselves. Commentary outside of that risks being criticized as biased or politically motivated.

But as political violence rises against public figures, and as public confidence in the judicial system shrinks, current and former women judges are the leading voices weighing in. …

Through groups like the Article III Coalition and Speak Up for Justice, judges including local, state and federal are making appearances on network news and participating in community events that aim to inform the public and political leaders about the responsibilities of the judiciary, and the risks posed by hyperpartisanship and political volatility. …