Legal professionals gather on steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to defend rule of law and judicial independence 

By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to The AFRO

Since 1958 legal professionals, including attorneys and judges, have joined with other concerned Americans annually on May 1 in observance of National Law Day of Action.

The gatherings, which take place at courthouses and in public spaces across the country, provide an opportunity for those who serve in courtrooms to retake their oaths in solidarity and to affirm the message that in the U.S., the rule of law is non-negotiable.

In Washington, D.C., as both home to the highest court in the land and as the nation’s capital, the observance of Law Day bears special significance. It was fitting that the gathering in D.C. took place on the steps of the Supreme Court.

The message, according to the organization that planned the event, Lawyers for Good Government (LFGG), was particularly important: judicial independence, the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession must be protected and is non-negotiable. 

Barbara Arnwine, a D.C.-based attorney, nationally recognized for her leadership in support of civil and voting rights, and the president and founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, served as a featured speaker for the District’s observance. 

Arnwine said the legal profession has been particularly beset over the past two years with changes that have “shaken our profession to its core.” 

“Sadly, we have seen major attempts to punish law firms and others perceived as working to ensure the Constitution. Many law firms have capitulated, giving millions of dollars in service to the current Administration, whether in the public interest or in the interest of revenge,” Arnwine said. “Some have even turned over private data related to their DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts. But when attorneys take the Oath of Admission upon passing the bar and becoming licensed, we pledge to support and enforce the Constitution, and to stand tall against all infringements and attacks. So, no matter who controls the White House or Congress, it’s imperative that lawyers do what we have sworn to do.”

This year’s Law Day was particularly significant as America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and continue along the path toward achieving its lofty goals for all Americans. 

Mary Smith, president and CEO, Task Force for American Democracy, reflected on several examples of how the law has been ignored or defied in recent years, and the implication of such actions. 

“Wars are being launched without congressional authorization,” she said. “Court orders are being defied. Judges are being threatened for doing their jobs. The country needs to hear . . . the legal profession is not standing by in silence.”

Charles H. Jung, convener of the Nation of Laws Coalition, called on all Americans to stand up for democracy because “this country is worth fighting for.” 

“Liberal democracies are the exception in human history, not the rule,” Jung said. “But our continued democracy is not guaranteed. The White House has abandoned the law, Congress has abandoned its duty, and the few leaders willing to stand up to corruption cannot repair these rifts without help. So, we the people must take our turn to stand up for democracy. This country belongs to all of us.” 

Rawle Andrews Jr. past president, Bar Association of D.C. and an adjunct professor in the Howard University School of Law, said if justice for all is the goal, all Americans must step forward to protect it and the laws which undergird the Constitution. 

“On Law Day, we are reminded that justice is not self-executing,” Andrews said. “It requires courage, clarity, and a collective will of the legal profession, policymakers, and community leaders to uphold the rule of law even when it is inconvenient.” 

Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) underscored the need to fight for democracy, uphold justice and maintain checks and balances, as he reflected on his role in protecting those principles. 

“The rule of law only works if we actually follow it,” he said. 

Arnwine reminded her colleagues that they play a special role in society, particularly on behalf of America’s most vulnerable or marginalized people. 

“Our oath requires that we provide pro bono assistance on behalf of those facing discrimination, those who are under attack by the government, or those who are being held in detention centers, many of them poor or starving,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, we must move to the frontlines of justice.” 

The post Legal professionals gather on steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to defend rule of law and judicial independence  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.