New Jersey Senate Bill SR85

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/22
• Refer: 5/16/22

Caption

Urges President and United States Congress to publicly condemn disclosure of home addresses of United States Supreme Court justices and enact legislation penalizing disclosure.

Impact

The adoption of this resolution could influence the creation of federal laws aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of justices by penalizing those who disclose personal information related to them. Moreover, it signifies the state’s acknowledgment of a widespread issue impacting judicial safety and the fundamental need to ensure that justices can operate free from external pressures, harassment, and intimidation. The resolution also reflects broader societal concerns regarding the balance between free speech and the potential for that speech to devolve into harassment.

Summary

Senate Resolution 85 urges the President of the United States and Congress to publicly condemn the disclosure of home addresses of United States Supreme Court justices and to enact legislation prohibiting and penalizing such disclosures. The resolution recognizes the critical role that the Supreme Court plays as the final arbiter of law and emphasizes that justices should perform their duties without fear of harm to themselves or their families. Recent instances of activists posting justices' home addresses online have heightened concerns for the safety of these officials and their families, especially in light of past tragedies involving judicial figures.

Contention

Some may argue that this resolution addresses a pressing issue, yet it raises concerns regarding freedom of speech and the limits of protest. The right to assemble and voice dissent is paramount in democracy; however, the line can blur when protests turn into intimidation tactics aimed at judicial officials. Hence, while the intent is to safeguard justices from potential harm, critics may question the implications it may have on civil liberties and whether it unjustly targets activism geared towards influencing court rulings.