PETITION TO CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

WHEREAS the independence of the federal and state judiciary is fundamental to our constitutional democracy and the protection of individual rights;

WHEREAS Article III of the United States Constitution establishes an independent federal judiciary as a co-equal branch of government, essential to the system of checks and balances that protects American liberty;

WHEREAS the rule of law—the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced—is the cornerstone of a free and just society;
WHEREAS our courts serve as the last line of defense and the final arbiter of constitutional rights for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race, religion, or economic status;

WHEREAS judges, attorneys, and court personnel are facing unprecedented levels of threats, intimidation, and violence that undermine their ability to serve justice impartially and safely;

WHEREAS efforts to defund, politicize, or delegitimize our judicial system threaten to erode public confidence in the fair administration of justice;

WHEREAS attacks on law firms and individual attorneys undermine Americans’ fundamental right to legal representation and access to justice;

WHEREAS Canon 4 of the Code of Conduct provides that a judge may engage in extrajudicial activities, including law-related pursuits and civic, charitable, educational, religious, social, financial, and governmental activities, and may speak, write, lecture, and teach on both law-related and nonlegal subjects;

WHEREAS the Commentary to Canon 4 states that a judge may express opposition to the persecution of lawyers and judges anywhere in the world if the judge has ascertained, after reasonable inquiry, that the persecution is occasioned by conflict between the professional responsibilities of the persecuted judge or lawyer and the policies or practices of the relevant government;

WHEREAS the safety and security of judges, their families, and court personnel is essential to maintaining an independent judiciary willing to make difficult decisions based on law rather than fear;

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE UNDERSIGNED CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES respectfully petition Congress and the President to take immediate and decisive action to:

1. STRENGTHEN JUDICIAL SECURITY
-Provide adequate funding for enhanced security measures for federal and state judges,their families, and court facilities
-Support legislation to improve coordination between federal, state, and local lawenforcement agencies in protecting judicial personnel
-Ensure robust prosecution of those who threaten or attack judges, attorneys, or court staff

2. DEFEND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
-Reject efforts to politicize or delegitimize court decisions through inflammatory rhetoric or threats of retaliation
-Oppose any attempts to defund or undermine the capacity of federal and state courts to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities
-Reaffirm the principle that judges must be free to make decisions based on law and evidence, not political pressure or fear of retribution

3. ENSURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE
-Protect the right of all Americans to competent legal representation free from intimidation or harassment
-Maintain adequate funding for the federal court system to ensure timely and fair resolution of legal disputes
-Support measures that enhance public understanding of and confidence in our judicial system

4. UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW
-Publicly reaffirm commitment to the constitutional principle that no person is above the law
-Ensure that all government officials, regardless of position or party affiliation, respect and comply with lawful court orders and judicial decisions
-Strengthen civic education programs that teach Americans about the vital role of anindependent judiciary in protecting their rights

5. FOSTER RESPECTFUL DISCOURSE
-Lead by example in demonstrating respect for judicial decisions, even when disagreeing with outcomes
-Condemn threats and violence against judicial personnel and legal professionals
- Promote civil discourse about legal issues while respecting the integrity and independence of our courts
We call upon our elected representatives to remember that defending our courts is not a partisan issue—it is a patriotic duty. Justice is neither liberal nor conservative; it is the foundation upon which our Constitution and our nation stand.

The rule of law is not negotiable. The independence of our judiciary is not optional. The safety of those who serve justice is not expendable.

We, the undersigned, demand action now to protect these fundamental pillars of American democracy before it is too late.

TOGETHER, WE ARE STANDING UP FOR JUSTICE!