California Chief Justice Says Social Media Harms Civic Discourse

Social media has politicized discourse about the judiciary’s role as the third branch of government and has harmed the public’s ability to understand the legal reasons behind a court’s ruling, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said in wide-ranging conversation with reporters Thursday.

“Frankly, I think social media contributes to” rising criticisms of the judiciary, said Guerrero, who is just over two years into her tenure as chief justice of the seven-seat court. “People being able to really attack one another in ways that are not productive isn’t helpful, and then it may carry over into actual physical violence.” ...