Under current federal law, it's a crime to picket or parade near a courthouse or a judge's home with the intent of influencing a case — but the maximum penalty is just one year in prison. This bill would increase that maximum to five years. It's a direct response to protests outside the homes of Supreme Court justices and is aimed at strengthening protections for judges, jurors, witnesses, and other court officers from intimidation.
Civil Liberties
- Maximum sentence for obstruction-of-justice picketing — Raised from 1 year to 5 years for picketing or parading near a courthouse or judge's residence with intent to influence a case
Congressional Summary
Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025 This bill increases the statutory maximum prison term—from one year to five years—for picketing or parading in or near a building or residence used by a judge, juror, witness, or court officer with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing a judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his or her duty.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-04-08
- Date Added
- 2026-04-09
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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