WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Chief Justice William Rehnquist, in a year-end report released Thursday, ripped a federal law he said comes close to intimidating federal judges.
The PROTECT Act singles out judges who hand down lighter sentences.
"The PROTECT ACT, Rehnquist said, "could appear to be an unwarranted and ill-considered effort to intimidate individual judges in the performance of their judicial duties."
Rehnquist also blasted Congress for failing to fully fund the federal judiciary
"The continuing uncertainties and delays in the funding process have necessitated substantial effort on the part of judges and judiciary managers and staff to modify budget systems, develop contingency plans, cancel activities and attempt to cut costs," the chief justice said. "Many courts face hiring freezes, furloughs or reductions in force."
