Our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Rule of Law foresee that assaults, challenges, and onslaughts will occur. These revered documents, along with the principles and legal frameworks they establish, were designed to endure the temptations of the few while safeguarding the lives and prosperity of all.
It should come as no surprise that the foundational pillars of our democracy are subjected to tests from time to time. Likewise, it is both natural and obligatory for us to remain steadfast on the sacred ground of true principles when the inherent constitutional rights of our nation come under scrutiny.
I am a past president of several Criminal Defense Lawyer Organizations, locally and nationally. These organizations are a fellowship of adept criminal defense lawyers distinguished in their field. Criminal Defense Lawyers also value unity, camaraderie, and the recognition of the collective skills we harness when we unite.
It is with a sense of reluctance that I address matters beyond the courtroom realm; however, it is in the spirit of respecting our origins that I choose to speak now. My aim is not to highlight a problem but rather to uphold our dignity and the true beginnings of our people.
A reflection on some grievances outlined against the King in our Declaration of Independence is warranted:
- "Obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither.
- He has obstructed the administration of justice by refusing his assent to laws establishing judiciary powers.
- He has made Judges dependent upon his will alone.
- He has erected a multitude of new offices and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people.
- He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies.
- He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power.
- For cutting off trade with all parts of the world.
- For depriving us in many cases of trial by jury.
- For transporting us beyond seas to be tried.
- For declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
- He has excited domestic insurrection amongst us."
(Excerpts from our Declaration of Independence)
When the independence and autonomy of law firms, universities, and the Judiciary are jeopardized, our democracy is at risk. When our call for or against a cause is silenced and censored, the enduring health and beauty of the world's greatest social experiment-our nation-state, our republic, our democracy-are threatened.
Our most powerful response to these challenges lies in our unity; declaring in one coherent voice the preeminence of our Constitution. The alternative is to place our foundational principles on equal footing with transient aspirations for power.
I find great solace in the people. It is the people who constitute our juries; they impart common sense to our halls of justice and embody the empowered peer.
I commend our judges for their unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
I commend our fellow lawyers for their steadfast adherence to principle.
I commend our nation for its unwavering belief in itself.
