Public Statement from the CMBA
When the integrity of our judicial system, the independence of our judges, or the procedural finality of the United States Supreme Court is challenged, our Bar Association is duty-bound to speak up in support of the Rule of Law. Accordingly, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) unequivocally condemns House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ statements directly attacking the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court following its decision in Louisiana v. Callais.
The Constitution bestows upon the federal judiciary the exclusive authority to interpret federal law. The Supreme Court’s interpretive rulings are final and determinative as the law of the land. This has been a bedrock principle of our democracy, one founded upon the rule of law, for generations. Last Wednesday, the Court issued a 6-3 ruling announcing its decision. In response, the Minority Leader referred to the Justices who voted for that ruling as a “corrupt conservative majority”. The Minority Leader, in a separate appearance, called the court “illegitimate.”
We affirm the right of any person, from those on Main Street to those in the Halls of Congress, to express disagreement with a decision, verdict, or process and the validity of using political and legislative processes to amend or pass laws to accomplish desired objectives under the law. However, we wholly reject a co-equal branch of government attacking the integrity and independence of the courts and undermining the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. The statements and accusations levied at the Supreme Court by the Minority Leader are inappropriate, unfair, dangerous, and wrong. Additionally, these kinds of statements create real risks for the safety of judges, court personnel, and their families.
This is not a partisan issue. We recognize that both sides of the political spectrum have crossed this line in the past by personally attacking judges when they are unhappy with the substance of a ruling. Yet we are compelled to demand better from our elected leaders and encourage all Americans to do the same and not let substantive disagreements about policy become personal attacks on other government leaders.
Consistent with our mission to promote the Rule of Law, the CMBA will continue facilitating civil dialogue on these critical issues within our Bar and throughout our community.
