Federal law already makes it a crime to picket or parade near a courthouse with the intent to influence a judge, juror, or witness. This bill would extend that same protection to the private residences of judges, jurors, witnesses, and court officers, making it a crime — punishable by up to one year in prison — to picket, use a sound truck, or stage demonstrations near their homes. It's aimed at the growing trend of protests targeting members of the judiciary where they live.
Civil Liberties
- Lawful protest zones around judicial residences — Picketing or parading near a judge, juror, witness, or court officer's home now a federal misdemeanor
- Federal protest-related criminal penalties — Up to one year imprisonment added for residential demonstrations near covered persons
- Intent-to-influence threshold — Removed as a required element for residential-protest charges
Congressional Summary
This bill removes the intent requirement for the criminal offense related to picketing or parading in or near a building or residence used by a judge, juror, witness, or court officer.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-10-08
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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