The freedom to criticize judges and other public officials is necessary to a vibrant democracy. The problem comes when healthy criticism is replaced with more destructive intimidation and sanctions.

O’Connor draws a sharp line between legitimate democratic accountability and coercive pressure on the judiciary. In her view, open criticism of judges and other officials is not merely permitted but essential: it helps citizens debate law, policy, and institutional performance. The danger arises when criticism becomes intimidation—threats, punitive political tactics, or efforts to “sanction” judges for unpopular decisions—because such pressure can chill independent judgment. The quote reflects a broader concern that courts must remain both transparent and insulated enough to decide cases on law rather than fear, preserving the rule of law while still allowing robust public scrutiny.