Statement Supporting an Independent Judiciary
The NCBJ Statement in Support of the Independence of the Judiciary
In this current time of increasing challenges to the independence of the judiciary and threats to the security of its members, the NCBJ joins judicial organizations across the country who have issued statements in support of the judiciary’s independence. As outlined in the attached Joint Statement from Judicial Organizations and the statement from the National Associate of Women Judges, we all stand united in support of Chief Justice Roberts’ recent statements about the vital need for judges to remain free to decide cases according to the law and Constitution without fear of political reprisal, threats of impeachment or fear for their own safety.
Our democracy is based on the separation of powers with no one branch dominating over another. We depend upon a system of checks and balances with each branch of government playing an essential role. We support the right of people to have unfettered access to fair and impartial courts. Threats and efforts to intimidate judges undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
We oppose any attempts to interfere in the impartial administration of justice, consistent with the law. We stand firmly with our judicial colleagues in calling for all public officials and members of the public, to respect and uphold the separation of powers, defend the independence of our courts and safeguard the ability of judges to perform their duties without coercion or fear.