Trump’s Criticism Of Judges Out Of Line With Past Presidents

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Story Description:

Recently President Trump has publicly criticized individual judges who have ordered temporary halts to his travel ban. Trump has questioned judges’ motives, claiming these decisions are political and have nothing to do with actual legal concerns. His personal attacks on individual judges is unprecedented in U.S. history. American democracy rests on a balance of three branches of government: the executive, legislative and judicial. Although presidents have disagreed with court decisions and complained privately in the past, none have ever made public attacks against individual judges. Listen to learn more about the relationship between presidents and the courts in the past and the implications of Trump’s recent criticisms.

Listening Comprehension Questions:

• What are Trump’s recent accusations against individual judges?
• Why does the law professor say that, “Trump’s statements are extremely self-defeating”?
• What are a few examples of past presidents disagreeing with court decisions?
• What are the reasons past presidents have chosen not to criticize judges publicly?
• What would be the result of a president not accepting a Supreme Court’s ruling?

Classroom Discussion Themes:

• Explain the three branches of government and the role of the judicial branch.
• Why do you think the legislative and executive branches of government follow the orders of the courts, despite the fact that judges have no way of enforcing them?