Bill to protect integrity of Judicial proceedings receives bipartisan support
HAGATÑA, Guam—Senators on both sides of the aisle expressed strong support today for Bill No. 291-37 (LS), a measure aimed at strengthening protections for judicial officers and the integrity of judicial proceedings. The bill, which was discussed during a public hearing at the Guam Legislature, seeks to prevent external threats and undue influence from compromising judicial decisions and the justice system.
Introduced by Vice Speaker Tina Muña Barnes, the legislation would make it a felony to interfere with a judicial officer with the intent to harass, intimidate, or influence them in the performance of their official duties.
“Our judges carry tremendous responsibility in making decisions that deeply impact our community,” said Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, who submitted testimony in support of the bill. “Their protection is not just a personal matter-it is essential to preserving justice itself.”
Torres cited that threats against the judicial branch have surged by 400% among federal officials, ‘ and state judges in various jurisdictions have also been targeted. Last October, a Guam-bom judge was killed at his home in Maryland after ruling in a child custody case, and more recently, a judge in Kentucky was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers. These incidents highlight the real dangers judges face across the country and in Guam.
Despite these growing threats, most of the protections currently in place only apply to federal judges. In response, over the past year, more than 60 legislative proposals were introduced across 24 states, with 11 of those measures becoming law.?
“When judicial officers are unsafe, public confidence in the judiciary erodes,” said Presiding Judge Lamorena, who also submitted testimony in support.
“The mere perception that decisions could be influenced by external pressures undermines the very foundation of justice. That is why Bill No. 291-37 is so important.”
If enacted, the bill would classify interference with a judicial officer as a third-degree felony. If the violation results in death or bodily harm to the officer or a family member, it would escalate to a first-degree felony.
“We as judicial officers understand the risk that we take when we assume the position…but our families don’t sign up for the potential risk of violence,” said Justice F. Philip Carbullido at the public hearing.
“This bill is essential to provide tools to law enforcement to be proactive. I personally thank you and, on behalf of my family, I thank you.”
Bill 291 is cosponsored by Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Frank Blas, Jr., Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas, Christopher M. Dueñas, Roy A. B. Quinata, and William A. Parkinson. During the hearing, Sen. Jesse A. Lujan also requested to be a sponsor of the bill.
For additional information, contact Sarah G. Elmore-Hernandez at sehernandez@guamcourts.gov. (PR)
Guam Judiciary pix
