RA11691: JUDICIARY MARSHALS ACT
Republic Act No. 11691, or the "Judiciary Marshals Act," creates the Office of the Judiciary Marshals under the control and supervision of the Supreme Court. This Act is a crucial measure to ensure the safety and security of justices, judges, court officials, personnel, and court properties, thereby upholding the independence and impartiality of the Judiciary in administering justice and preserving constitutional rights. The establishment of this independent and professional security force is a direct response to the need to protect the Judiciary from violence, threats, and undue influence.
The Office of the Judiciary Marshals is vested with significant powers and functions, including conducting threat assessments and investigations of crimes against judicial members, ensuring orderly court proceedings, assisting in the execution of lawful orders, and even making arrests and conducting searches and seizures in relation to their duties. This dedicated body provides a specialized security apparatus for the judiciary, distinct from other law enforcement agencies, although it maintains concurrent jurisdiction with them for investigations, reinforcing the rule of law and public trust in the judicial system.