Protect Judges From Personal Attacks
A s members of the legal profession, we all play a role in protecting judicial decision making from outside influences that attempt to sway or disrupt judicial proceedings or exert pressure on individual judges. Judges take an oath to make decisions based on the law and facts — without regard to their politics, feelings, personal beliefs, spe- cial interests or public opinion. But in performing our duties and abiding by the Constitution, judges are increasingly vulnerable to attacks that not only place judi- cial independence at risk, but our democracy as well. Personal attacks aimed at embarrassing, harassing and coercing judges have become more frequent — especially in retaliation for unpopular rulings and prior to elections. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in his 2021 book “The Authority of the Court and the Perils of Politics” that our na- tion is starting to view judges as “politicians in robes.” In some cases, these attacks are designed to unfairly impact one’s right to a fair hearing. In others, they are an attempt to influence ju- dicial elections by misinforming or misleading the public about a judge’s record or qualifi- cations. They even go beyond name calling and social media fodder. The ABA Journal reported
that threats and inappropriate actions against federal judges and court personnel increased from 926 incidents in 2015 to 4,261 in 2020. Everyone has a right to disagree with a court’s decision. With a “losing” side in nearly every ruling, opinions will always differ over court outcomes. But those who ridicule a judge’s legitimacy or threaten retaliation due to an unfavorable ruling only contribute to public mistrust of the judiciary. The upcoming 2022 election cycle in- cludes the State Supreme Court, appellate courts, circuit races and votes on the retention of judges on the ballot across Illinois. Voters should evaluate judges based on their integrity, professionalism, temperament, experience and commitment to public service, fairness and impartiality. The Constitution guarantees that we are all entitled to equal treatment under the law. The judiciary serves as a co-equal branch of government responsible for protecting the rights of all people. But our right to equal treatment is mean- ingless without an independent court system. The Illinois Judges Association plans to em- phasize the importance of judicial indepen- dence and elections throughout the year.
JUDGE BARB CROWDER President, Illinois Judges Association
Democracy Depends on Confidence in Law and Lawyers
I n 1973, the Illinois legislature established Southern Illinois University School of Law to serve the public good. Nearly 50 years later, we are steadfastly committed to our mission to transform our students into the lawyers and community leaders of tomorrow, empowered with the knowledge and skills to improve their communities. I began serving as dean in summer 2020, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges. And as we contin- ue to navigate it, we also find ourselves in a
national reckoning as we grapple with racial injustices, economic unrest and political up- heaval. With every challenge comes opportunity. As I lead a law school during these times, I am reminded daily that civic awareness and en- gagement are important during times of both order and unrest. We impress upon our new students that a lawyer’s professional reputa- tion begins in law school and that it is never too early to practice exemplary professional- ism. Our dedicated faculty work each and every
Dean, Southern Illinois University School of Law CAMILLE DAVIDSON
38 LAW DAY 2022 • CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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