This bill establishes stricter federal penalties for picketing or parading near the residences or workplaces of court personnel, including judges, jurors, and witnesses.
David Rouzer
Representative
NC-7
The Protect Our Judiciary Act of 2025 strengthens federal law by explicitly prohibiting intentional picketing or parading near the residences or workplaces of judges, jurors, witnesses, or court officers while they are actively using those locations. This measure updates existing statutes to provide clearer penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for demonstrations that target court personnel.
Federal Bill Criminalizes Picketing Near Judges' Homes: Violators Face Up to One Year in Prison
The “Protect Our Judiciary Act of 2025” is making a significant update to federal law concerning demonstrations near the homes or workplaces of judicial personnel. Section 2 of the bill makes it illegal to intentionally picket or parade near a building or residence currently being used by a judge, juror, witness, or court officer. If you violate this new rule, you could be hit with a fine, up to one year in prison, or both, making this a serious federal offense.
The Security vs. Speech Balancing Act
At its core, this section aims to prevent intimidation and harassment of people involved in the judicial system. Think about a high-profile case: a witness or juror might face intense pressure if protesters show up outside their house. The bill is trying to draw a clear line, providing a security buffer so that judges can make impartial decisions and witnesses can testify without fear of being targeted at home. This protection is specifically triggered when the location—be it a home or a temporary workplace—is currently being used by that court official.
What Does This Mean for Protesters?
This is where the rubber meets the road for anyone who cares about free speech and public protest. The ability to picket or demonstrate near the residence of a public official is a classic, if often controversial, form of political expression. This bill restricts that right, making it a criminal act punishable by jail time if you try to demonstrate near the home of a judicial figure. For advocacy groups or individuals trying to put public pressure on the system, this closes off a key avenue for direct action.
The Gray Area of 'Currently Being Used'
One detail that could cause headaches is the specific phrasing that the prohibition applies when the location is “currently being used” by the court official. If a judge is working from home on a Saturday, the law applies. If they’re on vacation, does the prohibition lift? This phrase introduces a level of vagueness that could lead to inconsistent enforcement. Law enforcement will have discretion in determining if a house is “currently being used,” which means a peaceful protester could face arrest and a federal criminal charge based on an interpretation of someone else's schedule. This makes the risk significantly higher for anyone planning a demonstration near these locations, even if they are trying to stay within the bounds of the law.