I founded Judicial Watch on July 29, 1994, after witnessing judges arrive unprepared, wear politics on their sleeves, and harm real people. Later, I launched Freedom Watch to carry that battle forward. The problem is worse now than ever: a federal judiciary that largely serves itself, cloaks itself in a myth of “absolute immunity,” and drifts further from We the People.
This is not anti-judge. Good judges are our most important public servants. But an unaccountable judiciary invites abuse. Thomas Jefferson warned that federal judges would become “despots and tyrants.” We see it today—especially when Americans of faith and conservatives stand before the bench in places like Washington, D.C.
The Department of Judicial and Legal Accountability (DOLA)
To restore equal justice under law, I’ve formed Freedom Watch’s Department of Judicial and Legal Accountability, advised by respected leaders, to advance real reform and partner with President Trump on legislation and oversight. Here is my five-point plan:
- Merit, not money.
Stop the pay-to-play machine. Judges must be chosen for integrity and competence—not campaign cash, political IOUs, or the influence of lobby groups that “sell” names. - Limited, renewable terms for good behavior.
Federal judges do not serve “for life.” They serve during good behavior. Two four-year terms, renewable upon demonstrated fitness and performance, would restore accountability that impeachment alone has never provided. - End “absolute immunity.”
The Constitution does not grant judges blanket immunity. That notion was imported from old English common law to protect a king’s edicts. In America, no one is above the law. At most, judges should have qualified immunity for good-faith mistakes—not a shield for willful lawlessness. - Real judicial training—“judge school.”
Require a serious, graduate-level credential before taking the federal bench, including decision analysis, courtroom management, ethics, and constitutional literacy. Many judges arrive as ex-prosecutors, corporate counsel, or defense lawyers and simply carry those biases to the bench. - Personal liability insurance & victim compensation.
When a judge’s reckless or intentional misconduct harms a litigant—and appeals are unaffordable—there must be a path to compensation. Mandating insurance forces responsibility and gives ordinary citizens recourse.
Enforcement the establishment won’t do
We will also use citizens grand juries to investigate, indict where the evidence warrants it, and try misconduct peacefully and lawfully—because the grand jury, as Justice Scalia recognized, belongs to the People, not to the three branches. Some judges and their institutional allies have treated the bench like a private club; that ends when citizens insist on constitutional accountability.
Why this matters now
Without a just legal system, America faces deepening instability. We must act before frustration boils into violence. That is why I ask you to watch the podcast, share it widely, and support Freedom Watch so we can file the right cases, push the right reforms, and stand up—unafraid—for the rule of law.
Join us at FreedomWatchUSA.org with your tax-deductible contribution. Together, we will restore a judiciary worthy of a free people.
In Justice,
Larry Klayman
Founder of Judicial Watch & Freedom Watch
Chairman and General Counsel, Freedom Watch USA
