Congressman Lamar Smith 21st district of Texas

Washington, Jun 14, 2007 - The House Judiciary Committee today approved the “Court Security Improvement Act of 2007,” (H.R. 660) co-sponsored by Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX).

“Seven hundred threats against federal judges are made each year,” Smith explained. “In many cases, federal judges and other court house personnel have been forced to live in fear of retribution by terrorists, gangs and disgruntled litigants they helped bring to justice.”

“The problem of witness intimidation continues to grow, particularly at the state and local level, where few resources are available to protect witnesses, victims and their families,” stated Smith. “This problem threatens the very integrity of our judicial system.”

During debate on the bill, Smith noted the killing of family members of United States District Judge Joan Lefkow and the brutal slayings of Judge Rowland Barton, his court reporter, his deputy sheriff, and a federal officer in Atlanta.

The bipartisan bill provides grants to state and local courts to improve security services; prohibits public disclosure of the personal information of courthouse personnel; improves security measures for federal prosecutors; and increases criminal penalties for assault against federal law enforcement officers.

“Judges, witnesses, courthouse personnel and law enforcement officers should not have to face threats and violence when carrying out their duties,” concluded Smith. “This bill represents a significant step in protecting court personnel.”