Message from the ABA about recent attacks on the judiciary

[Seabiscuit]

As members of the legal profession, I know you share my concern over the public's misunderstanding of the judiciary's role and the politically motivated criticism of the judiciary stemming from the Terri Schiavo case, and are equally alarmed about the murders of Judge Lefkow's family members in Chicago and the attacks at the Fulton County Courthouse in Georgia. The circumstances of these tragic events require careful analysis, thoughtful leadership, and measured response. The American Bar Association has long held the preservation of judicial independence as one of the most important Association goals. These recent events have elevated the urgency of that commitment among the ABA's leadership. In the past several days, I have issued public statements condemning the violence against our judiciary and the gratuitous and vicious public attacks on the dedicated men and women who are our country's judges. During my speaking engagements, I have taken the opportunity to call for a change in tenor when the national discussion turns to our justice system.

Regardless of how one feels about the specific circumstances of the Schiavo - or any - situation, the role of the judiciary is clear. Federal and state judges are charged with weighing the facts of a case and following the remedies set forth in the law, responsibilities they carry out valiantly and with great dignity and sensitivity.

It is vital that the legal community address the current atmosphere in which our legal system operates, in what can only be called a decline in civility and respect toward our justice system. Too often judges are characterized as political tools and the justice system merely an offshoot of politics, and not the independent leg of our democracy that they are. Efforts to address the problems of courthouse security have been initiated by the Judicial Conference of the United States and the National Center for State Courts, and I have approached these organizations as well as a number of entities within the ABA to determine where and how we can best contribute to resolving problems faced by the nation's courts and judges.

The Association is committed to promoting the importance of judicial independence. The four entities that comprise the ABA Justice Center: the Judicial Division, the Standing Committee on Judicial Independence, the Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements, and the Coalition for Justice work tirelessly to develop resources, initiatives, policies, and programs that support our justice system, our judges, and our courts. Information on each of these entities' initiatives can be accessed through the Justice Center's Web site at http://www.abanet.org/justicecenter/home.html

Thank you for your continued support of the ABA, the legal profession, and the judiciary. As the voice of the legal profession, we must not allow those among us who would do harm, in any form, to destroy the very freedoms our legal system is entrusted to protect.

Sincerely,
Robert J. Grey, Jr.
President, American Bar Association

[whistle]

1. ABA needs to be at war with the Federalists Society

[Biology]

2. actually, I respect them more now

Despite sometimes disagreeing with their decisions and the tedious legal process, I have come to respect the judical branch of the government more and more as of late. They are the last defense we americans have against some of these fundamental extremists that have infiltrated to all levels of our government. The job of any judge is to interpret law, in a fair and accurate manner, and it is obvious that these judges are doing precisely that; whether conservative or liberal. I am very bothered by the fact that some members of our legislative branch would even suggest the idea of some form of retaliation against, or greater control of, the judical system.

[pretzel4gore]

3. a little late hey...

maybe the busheviks have finessed their seizure of power so well it's only now that the ABA sees a problem but that doesn't change the fact bushinc are crooks and have been crooks from the getgo: bush wasn't elected no matter how well done the lying was/is ....almost tempted to suggest telling the ABA 'go to hell' and cheer on bushinc as they lead the gadarene swine rush over the cliff....but that would be the bushevik ideal, wouldn't it....

[Blue_In_AK]

4. The ABA, ATLA and all the other legal associations

need to get really vocal and active. The administration's assault on the Constitution, legal precedent, and the judicial system as a whole is one of the most frightful abuses going on right now, IMO.

[randr]

5. Too little,too late

Just like the AMA refuses to disciple bad doctors, resulting in escalating insurance costs, the ABA sits quietly by and allows their own C grade students to defile our legal principles

[Seabiscuit]

6. The ABA has no authority to discipline errant attorneys.

That duty rests with the State Bar Associations of each State.