Every time an executive defies the courts they erode the basis of their own power, and their public image as a legitimate executive.
Look at what actually happens to executives who defy the courts. The level and types of protest people feel are legitimate increases dramatically. Once the court said that "well technically the emergency order only lasts for 30 days" the anti-mask brigade was much more vocal and flagrant about it.
Free and fair elections are the ultimate source of legitimacy. The courts have maintained good publicity in our rigged system, but they don’t have any inherent legitimacy of their own.
