PETITION TO CONGRESS: Reform Judicial Immunity in Cases of Proven Bad Faith
LINK TO SIGN: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-congress-reform-judicial-immunity-in-cases-of-proven-bad-faith?recruiter=1354433652&recruited_by_id=f7709970-85f8-11ef-867f-3b48d8e02bed&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=copylink
Whereas, the integrity of the judicial system is foundational to the rule of law, and the public’s trust in the courts depends upon impartiality, accountability, and adherence to constitutional safeguards; and
Whereas, judicial immunity, as established by common law and reinforced through precedent, was intended to protect judges from frivolous lawsuits and political retaliation—not to shield intentional misconduct, abuses of authority, or clear departures from judicial duty; and
Whereas, there are documented instances in which numerous irregularities, repeated procedural violations, or clear patterns of one-sided judicial action indicate that decisions may not have been made in good faith, but instead reflect intentional bias, retaliation, or misconduct; and
Whereas, under current law, citizens harmed by such conduct have no practical civil remedy, even where evidence demonstrates bad faith, willful disregard of law, or violation of constitutional rights; and
Whereas, no public official in the United States—whether elected or appointed—should be beyond accountability, and the principle of equal protection requires that all individuals, including judges, may be held liable for deliberate wrongdoing; and
Whereas, the preservation of judicial independence does not require immunity for malicious, corrupt, retaliatory, or constitutionally reckless behavior, but rather demands that the public have confidence that no judge is above the law;
Therefore, we, the undersigned citizens of the United States, respectfully call upon the United States Congress to:
1. Enact legislation establishing a narrowly tailored exception to judicial immunity
allowing civil action against judges where clear and convincing evidence demonstrates:
Intentional misconduct,
Bad faith rulings,
Willful violation of constitutional rights, or
Knowingly ignoring mandatory legal standards.
2. Create an independent review process
separate from state judicial conduct commissions—ensuring investigations are impartial and not influenced by judicial colleagues or professional associations.
3. Ensure due process for both judges and complainants
so that legitimate judicial functions remain protected, while deliberate abuses of power are no longer immune from accountability.
The American justice system must reflect the principle that no person—not even a judge—is above the law.
Judicial independence must coexist with judicial accountability.
We respectfully urge Congress to act.
