Trump’s Judges: The Worst of the Worst is a short film from Brave New Films Action Fund that brings to light the alarming direction of the federal courts during the Trump administration and the dangers of a partisan judiciary. Under President Trump, the US Senate has confirmed over 200 federal judges — the second-highest number in modern history — in only four years. These judges have expressed views antithetical to the Constitution and social justice, and have already rolled back important protections including voting rights, reproductive rights, and environmental safeguards. Judges confirmed to lifetime seats on the federal courts have the power to impact almost every aspect of public policy. They make decisions every day about health care, bodily autonomy, voting rights, the environment, law enforcement, civil rights, that impact generations.

Preparing for the Film Screening:

• Watch the 10-minute film for free here collectively or ask participants to watch it in advance.

• Invite NCJW members and coalition partners.
• Ensure a facilitator is prepared to ask questions and handle the discussion.
• Remind participants to be prepared to discuss how the film relates to NCJW’s mission.
• Provide handouts utilizing NCJW’s federal courts resources, including our “Judicial Nominations Talking Points,” “Federal Courts Glossary,” “Federal Courts Q&A,” and “Jewish Texts on the Judiciary.”

Zoom Tips:

• Read the Basics and Best Practices on how to conduct a Zoom webinar.
  • Watch video tutorials for Zoom if new to the platform.
  • Be aware video through Zoom can lag and lack crispness.
• Log into your Zoom account and review all the Zoom settings.
• Set up a practice session to test Zoom prior to the event.
• Test speakers’ WIFI or internet in the practice session. If available, use wired internet for best quality. If a speaker’s internet is unstable, we recommend they turn off their video to improve their audio.
• Open the meeting by introducing NCJW and close it with a “take action” component about how to get more engaged in NCJW.
• Start and end on time.

After the Film:

• Facilitate a post-film discussion. See questions below for
• Following the post-film discussion, ask if participants are interested in advancing a fair, independent, and qualified federal judiciary. If so, be sure to share NCJW’s #CourtsMatter website and plan a follow-up meeting to discuss an action
  • See NCJW’s Social Change Action Plan Worksheet for helpful tips!
• Provide a quick “take action” component that participants can do on the spot, such as posting on social media or emailing a lawmaker. Find action items here and here.
• Make sure participants are signed up to receive updates and action opportunities. Direct them to org/signup.
• Collect names and contact information from all participants, and follow-up with a thank-you message that includes ways to get involved with

Discussion Questions to Consider:

• What are your initial thoughts about the documentary?
• What role do the federal courts play in the lives of Americans?
• How have the courts impacted your life?
• What are the implications of a partisan judiciary?
• What are some ways to depoliticize the courts?
• When did you first realize the influence of the judiciary?
• What can be learned about the federal court system presented in this documentary?

For questions or more information, please contact Ari Solomon at asolomon@ncjw.org.