Recorded Session

Relativity Fest Chicago 2024: The 11th Annual Judicial Panel

2024 is an election year in the United States, and the United Kingdom had landmark elections on July 4. Rarely has the influence of politics affected the judiciary more than it has today.

ABA Model Rule of Judicial Conduct 2.4 provides, “A judge shall not be swayed by public clamor of fear of criticism.” But is that even possible in today’s polarized and often toxic political climate? In this political climate, an assassination attempt on a former president has affected the nation, while US Marshals Service data indicate serious threats against federal judges doubled in Fiscal Year 2023 to a total of 457. Are these threats the result of toxic politics and free speech becoming reckless rhetoric? Are laws, procedural rules, and legal ethics mandates enough to protect judges and allow them to do their jobs? Does our Brave New World of artificial intelligence help the situation? These challenges are not limited to the United States. A longtime member of the Relativity Fest Judicial Panel – the United Kingdom’s first transgender judge – has received political backlash, including threats. Join us for what may be the most important Relativity Fest Judicial Panel ever.