Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in threats to federal judges, including to several judges in our district. Beyond increasing judicial security, though, what else can be done?
The South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is trying something different—social media. The idea, spearheaded by current president, Courtney Cunningham, is to have several of our judges film short, social-media-friendly videos designed to educate the general public about the roles of federal judges. The hope is that it’ll help lower the rhetorical temperature while humanizing our judges in the process. Judges Bloom and Scola have already filmed segments, and others have agreed to participate. The Florida Bar recently covered the initiative here. It's worth a read.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the epic college football weekend ahead of us. There’s FSU v. Bama (corrected from earlier!). And, of course, Notre Dame v. UM or, as some people have been referring to it locally, Catholics vs. Cafecitos. Give me the Noles and Canes in close ones.
I like the videos so far.
ReplyDeleteI'm neither for or against cameras in federal courtrooms (I don't get paid to worry about that), but when proceedings have the appearance of happening behind close doors (even though they're open to the public), I'm sure imaginations run wild as to what our federal judges are like to those who don't practice before them.
This seems like a genuine and wholesome effort to inform the public.
Pretty sure FSU is playing Alabama.
ReplyDeleteare your picks with or without the spreads? As far as threats against the judiciary, filming short educational videos is not likely to curtail the problem. Think about it. "I was going to assault a federal judge. Thank God I watched that video on diversity jurisdiction and then civility. I am putting away my bazooka and hand grenades."
ReplyDelete