Chief Justice John Roberts issued a defense Tuesday of judicial independence, which he said is under threat from intimidation, disinformation and the prospect of public officials defying court orders.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has issued a call for greater protections of judges at all levels from threats and "doxxing" while decrying officials who may attempt to subvert the rulings of the courts.

Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts sharply criticized elected officials on both sides of the political aisle for undermining the federal judiciary in several ways. In his year-end report released Tuesday, Roberts noted four areas of “illegitimate ...