Death threats against judges and safety incidents inside Victoria’s courts have soared in a trend that has been linked to the so-called sovereign citizen movement.

New data from the independent agency that runs Victoria’s court system shows “judicial security threats” – threats to harm or kill a judge, court staff or a member of their families – more than doubled in a year to 35 in 2024. The figure looks set to double again this year after already reaching 32 recorded incidents in the first six months of 2025.

Court security incidents have soared, including death threats to members of the judiciary. Credit: Darrian Traynor

These threats are often made from the dock or inside the courtroom by offenders or their families, but also include ones sent through the post, email or put on th

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