Chief Justice Roberts Warns Against Personal Criticism of Supreme Court

Chief Justice John Roberts recently emphasized that while the Supreme Court has made mistakes worth criticizing, such critiques should focus on decisions rather than personal attacks on the justices themselves. Speaking at Georgetown University, Roberts expressed concern over the declining civics education among young people, warning that many lack understanding of the U.S. legal system and government roles, which he believes endangers the rule of law. He encouraged early civic education and suggested that lawyers engage with youth to strengthen public understanding of justice. Roberts also cautioned against calls for impeachment of judges, underscoring that such measures are inappropriate responses to judicial decisions and that the appellate process is the proper avenue for addressing disagreements. His stance comes amid increased public and political criticism of the Court, including remarks interpreted as rebukes of President Donald Trump. Critics, however, such as former prosecutor Joyce Vance, argue that Roberts has not done enough to protect the judiciary from political pressures and has sometimes enabled undue influence and lack of accountability in the political system.