TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 12, 2025

Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn has sponsored the "Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025," a proposed bill that would increase the penalty for protesting outside court buildings or judges' homes to up to five years in prison, WBIR reports. Currently, individuals who protest outside court buildings or any buildings or residence occupied or used by a judge, juror, witness or court officer can face up to one year in prison. The existing law applies to those who attempt to "interfere with, obstruct or impede the administration of justice" through picketing or parading and allows for fines against individuals using voice-amplifying devices. Five lawmakers have co-sponsored Blackburn's bill, which must first be reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee before it can be voted on.