Final answer:
Congress cannot assess a financial penalty against the judiciary due to the constitutional provisions designed to ensure the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. This independence is essential for the impartial administration of justice and is protected by lifetime appointments of federal judges and immunity provisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Congress cannot assess a financial penalty against the judiciary lies within the foundational principles of the United States Constitution, which is designed to ensure a separation of powers between the branches of government. One of the safeguards of the judiciary's independence is the lifetime appointment of federal judges, which shields them from the political pressures that may arise from other branches, including Congress. This independence allows the judiciary to operate without fear of retribution or financial penalties which could otherwise influence their legal judgment and undermine the impartiality necessary for the fair administration of justice.
The Constitution and judicial independence are further protected by various provisions that limit the actions of the legislative branch. For example, Article I, Section 6 provides that members of Congress shall be paid from the Treasury and cannot raise their own salaries during the current session. Additionally, members are granted immunity from arrest under certain circumstances and have legislative immunity for their official conduct, thus preventing other branches from exerting undue influence over legislative activities.
While Congress does have certain checks over the judiciary, such as the power to modify the federal court structure and the ability to impeach federal judges for specific transgressions, these do not include imposing financial penalties on judges for their judicial decisions. These measures are reserved for serious infractions such as bribery, racketeering, perjury, tax evasion, and other significant crimes, but not for rulings made in the course of their official duties.