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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - An independent judiciary isn't a sexy issue, but it's an important one
Judicial independence may seem like an esoteric subject, the kind of stuff that excites judges and lawyers but means little to the rest of us. Whether courts are free from political influence or judges follow the law rather than political dictates seems to have little to do with the price of groceries or the fate of our children. That is why many Americans don't put the maintenance of an independent judiciary anywhere near the top of the list of the issues that matter most to them. In fact, as the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor once noted, 'more than three-fourths of Americans believe that state judges should represent the views of the people of their state.' President Trump seems to hold a similar view. On May 29, reacting to a judicial decision that he exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs, the president said courts 'always must do what's right for the country!' This, of course, was not the first time the president has criticized judges when they do not rule in his favor. Judges and commentators bemoan these attacks and worry they are eroding judicial independence. If critics of the president are to have any hope of enlisting the public to defend judicial independence, they must do more than make inspiring speeches on Law Day or the Fourth of July and show how it matters in their lives, in simple, easy-to-understand messages. So far, those who hope to bring the judiciary to heel have done a far better job of making their case than have its defenders. It is time for those of us working to support the judiciary to up our game. Americans need to be reminded repeatedly that if they get divorced and have a battle over child custody, are involved in a property dispute with their neighbor, or have problems with creditors, their fate and that of their family might well depend on having a judge who will decide their cases based on the law and facts — not on political pressure or fear of losing their job. For example, an ad campaign could be launched showing a young person being arrested and brought to court for participating in a protest. The tagline: 'If this were your child, would you want the judge to follow the Constitution or do what they thought would please the president?' But judicial independence is not only a cornerstone of fairness and freedom — it is essential to having a vibrant and growing economy. It helps keep people employed and wages up. Another ad: A businessperson saying, 'I was thinking of investing millions in building a new factory in the United States. I would have employed a thousand people in good-paying jobs. But lately,' the ad might continue, 'I am having second thoughts. I am beginning to wonder what would happen if I had a dispute with a federal regulatory agency that went to court. Would the judge want to decide my case in a way that would please the president? I can't take that chance.' This is not a fiction. A reliable and attractive market for business investment and job creation is undermined if courts cannot be relied on to protect property, make sure people live up to their agreements, and stand up to government agencies that exceed their power. The World Bank, in its periodic Doing Business reports, shows that 'Economic and social progress cannot be achieved without respect for the rule of law and effective protection of rights, both of which require a well-functioning judiciary.' Political scientists Michael Touchton and Michael Tyburski put it simply: 'A robust and independent judiciary contributes significantly to a nation's economic well-being by fostering legal predictability, protecting property rights, enhancing investor confidence, and curbing corruption.' Others point out that it is not enough for countries like the United States to say their judicial system is free from political interference by the incumbent regime. They must demonstrate it. What the courts do and how political leaders react to adverse rulings is what matters most. Countries where that is true are more prosperous than those where it is not. That is why in places like Venezuela and Hungary, where there is a history of political interference in the judiciary, economic performance has been adversely affected. If Americans don't want this nation to end up like them, they need to make clear in every way they can that the president must keep his hands off our courts and judges. However, they will only do so if supporters of an independent judiciary do their part. They need to get the message out that, sooner or later, every American will pay the price for the Trump administration's repeated attacks on the courts. Austin Sarat is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
An independent judiciary isn't a sexy issue, but it's an important one
Judicial independence may seem like an esoteric subject, the kind of stuff that excites judges and lawyers but means little to the rest of us. Whether courts are free from political influence or judges follow the law rather than political dictates seems to have little to do with the price of groceries or the fate of our children. That is why many Americans don't put the maintenance of an independent judiciary anywhere near the top of the list of the issues that matter most to them. In fact, as the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor once noted, 'more than three-fourths of Americans believe that state judges should represent the views of the people of their state.' President Trump seems to hold a similar view. On May 29, reacting to a judicial decision that he exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs, the president said courts 'always must do what's right for the country!' This, of course, was not the first time the president has criticized judges when they do not rule in his favor. Judges and commentators bemoan these attacks and worry they are eroding judicial independence. If critics of the president are to have any hope of enlisting the public to defend judicial independence, they must do more than make inspiring speeches on Law Day or the Fourth of July and show how it matters in their lives, in simple, easy-to-understand messages. So far, those who hope to bring the judiciary to heel have done a far better job of making their case than have its defenders. It is time for those of us working to support the judiciary to up our game. Americans need to be reminded repeatedly that if they get divorced and have a battle over child custody, are involved in a property dispute with their neighbor, or have problems with creditors, their fate and that of their family might well depend on having a judge who will decide their cases based on the law and facts — not on political pressure or fear of losing their job. For example, an ad campaign could be launched showing a young person being arrested and brought to court for participating in a protest. The tagline: 'If this were your child, would you want the judge to follow the Constitution or do what they thought would please the president?' But judicial independence is not only a cornerstone of fairness and freedom — it is essential to having a vibrant and growing economy. It helps keep people employed and wages up. Another ad: A businessperson saying, 'I was thinking of investing millions in building a new factory in the United States. I would have employed a thousand people in good-paying jobs. But lately,' the ad might continue, 'I am having second thoughts. I am beginning to wonder what would happen if I had a dispute with a federal regulatory agency that went to court. Would the judge want to decide my case in a way that would please the president? I can't take that chance.' This is not a fiction. A reliable and attractive market for business investment and job creation is undermined if courts cannot be relied on to protect property, make sure people live up to their agreements, and stand up to government agencies that exceed their power. The World Bank, in its periodic Doing Business reports, shows that 'Economic and social progress cannot be achieved without respect for the rule of law and effective protection of rights, both of which require a well-functioning judiciary.' Political scientists Michael Touchton and Michael Tyburski put it simply: 'A robust and independent judiciary contributes significantly to a nation's economic well-being by fostering legal predictability, protecting property rights, enhancing investor confidence, and curbing corruption.' Others point out that it is not enough for countries like the United States to say their judicial system is free from political interference by the incumbent regime. They must demonstrate it. What the courts do and how political leaders react to adverse rulings is what matters most. Countries where that is true are more prosperous than those where it is not. That is why in places like Venezuela and Hungary, where there is a history of political interference in the judiciary, economic performance has been adversely affected. If Americans don't want this nation to end up like them, they need to make clear in every way they can that the president must keep his hands off our courts and judges. However, they will only do so if supporters of an independent judiciary do their part. They need to get the message out that, sooner or later, every American will pay the price for the Trump administration's repeated attacks on the courts. Austin Sarat is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College.
Chicago Tribune
09-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Law & Order column: Lake County Special Investigation Group reports record year
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigation Group tallied a record-breaking year in 2024, the sheriff's office reported. The SIG, which investigates drug, gun and labor trafficking, made more than 80 arrests last year resulting from 156 investigations the group began. The team, along with its federal partners, seized $24 million in drugs, 130 illegally possessed firearms and 58 machine gun conversion devices, the sheriff's office reported. Among the drug seizures were 173 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 pounds of illegally trafficked marijuana. 'The work done by SIG in 2024 is nothing short of extraordinary,' Sheriff John Idleburg said. 'These results represent safer communities, disrupted criminal enterprises, and lives saved. I am so proud of the partnerships we have with both our federal and local law enforcement partners. These relationships truly make our community safer, and I could not be any prouder of the work done by those assigned to SIG.' SIG rescued 11 people from human trafficking last year. In addition, the group presented a number of presentations around Lake County to educate and raise awareness about human trafficking. Cop on a Rooftop Police officers around Lake County will be taking to the roofs of Dunkin' Donuts locations on May 16 as part of their annual drive to help the Illinois Special Olympics. The Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser is now in its 22nd year and has raised more than $10 million to help Special Olympics. The participating departments will offer sale items and encourage people to donate to the cause. The event usually starts first thing, at 5 a.m., and goes until noon. Check your local police department's Facebook page for additional information. Law Day Members of the Lake County legal community came together on May 2 for the annual Law Day observance with students from around the county. The day of activities at the county courthouse began with a welcome from 19th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Daniel Shanes and Circuit Court Judge Reginald Matthews. Students were given a K-9 demonstration, and took tours of the sheriff's office and the coroner's office before taking in a mock sentencing hearing. In the afternoon, students, who ranged in age from kindergarten through high school, were recognized for their winning entries in coloring, illustration and essay contests. More than 350 entries were received this year. The activities are sponsored by the Lake County Bar Association, and many attorneys, including prosecutors and public defenders, took part in the event. Law Day was established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958 to recognize the importance of government under law. Traffic Safety Initiative Illinois Route 59 runs right through Wauconda, as it makes its way south through suburban Chicago. Wauconda police were scheduled to once again take part in the annual Regional Route 59 Traffic Safety Initiative on May 9. Agencies up and down the roadway between Lake and Will counties were going to attempt to increase motor safety through a combination of enforcement and education efforts. WPD said it would be paying special attention to speed, distracted driving and restraint issues. Flag stolen A Lake Villa area woman was ordered detained until trial after she pummeled her neighbor and stole the neighbor's American flag from outside the house, police said. A Lake County judge ordered Kristi B. Tyler detained after a hearing this month. She was arrested May 1 after the incident in the 37700 block of North Delaby Road. According to police, Tyler, 53, attacked a female neighbor in her 70s outside the neighbor's home. Tyler struck the neighbor in the face without provocation, police said, and began kicking and punching her as she lay on the ground. Tyler then took the neighbor's flag and ran away, according to reports. A day before the incident, Fox Lake police arrested Tyler for driving under the influence and speeding. A police officer clocked Tyler driving 101 mph on U.S. Route 12 at about 12:15 a.m. on April 30, according to Fox Lake police. She showed signs of impairment after the officer pulled her over, police said.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nebraska legal groups pledge ‘unwavering commitment' to rule of law
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways A gavel rests upon an open law book. (Getty Images) LINCOLN — More than a dozen state lawyers' groups have signed onto to a letter affirming their 'unwavering commitment' to the rule of law, including the preservation of an independent judiciary and a right to a legal defense. The letter, drafted by the officers of the Nebraska Bar Association and released on Law Day, May 1, was designed to respond to the 'noise' created about the meaning of the rule of law stirred up by actions of the Trump administration in recent weeks, a designated spokesman of the lawyers' group said. 'This isn't pointed at any particular issue or any particular case. This is what Nebraska lawyers say, when you hear talk about the rule of law,' said Ken Hartman, an Omaha attorney and president-elect designate of the Bar Association. 'There's just a lot of noise out there about the rule of law, in a lot of different ways,' Hartman said. 'This is what we see as the core principles of the rule of law.' Statement doesn't name Trump The Bar's statement — which doesn't name Trump — comes as some legal groups have criticized steps taken by President Donald Trump and his second administration, including the disregard of a U.S. Supreme Court order to return a Maryland man wrongly deported, the hasty deportation of 200 other men to a prison in El Salvador and the 'perp walk' arrest of a Wisconsin judge. The statement comes a week after several current and former law professors at the University of Nebraska College of Law signed a letter stating that the rule of law 'was in peril' and urged the state's congressional delegation to take steps to safeguard it. Hartman said Bar officials were unaware of the NU law professors' letter. He did acknowledge, though, that the issuance of the letter was not a normal part of recognizing Law Day, and was in response to a perception that the rule of law was under 'attack.' 'We think it's important that Nebraskans know what we as lawyers think,' he said. Principles of legal system matter The letter, signed by 12 other legal associations in the state and the deans of the state's two law schools, outlines four 'foundational principles that uphold our democratic republic: the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and the right to a vigorous defense.' 'Upon our admission to the practice of law, Nebraska lawyers take an oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Nebraska,' the lawyers wrote. 'Regardless of practice area, political affiliation, or position, the undersigned organizations are united in their defense of the rule of law and these core principles of our constitution and justice system.' 'The law cannot defend itself; the rule of law endures because of the vigilance and commitment of those sworn to uphold it,' the letter concludes. Judges, it states, should be 'free from political pressure' or 'fear of reprisal.' Everyone, it states, is 'entitled to a fair hearing and a vigorous defense' … 'regardless of their popularity, public opinion or the nature of the legal issue at hand.' It called the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government the 'cornerstone of our constitutional framework' that serves as a check and balance that 'prevents abuse.' 'Everyone stands subject and accountable to the law,' the letter read. Recent events spurred reaction The Trump administration has come under fire from some for disregarding the high court's order directing it to 'facilitate' the return of the Maryland man wrongfully detained and flown to a prison in El Salvador — a deportation the administration later conceded was an 'administrative error.' Others have questioned whether those flown to the El Salvador prison were denied constitutionally guaranteed 'due process' rights that require the government to provide evidence in court showing why someone should be deported, and allowing those targeted a chance to contest and rebut the evidence. Trump has also retaliated against some private law firms that represented people challenging him and his administration's actions. Some law firms cut deals with the president and others challenged him. More recently, controversy stirred after a Wisconsin judge was arrested by the FBI for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom avoid arrest — an arrest that was highly publicized, leading some to say it was intended to intimidate judges. Hartman said that once the Bar Association's officers drafted the letter, other legal groups were invited to sign on. He said he could recall only one group, the Omaha Bar Association, that did not sign on. But Hartman said he was unclear if it was because of a timing issue or because they didn't agree. Nebraska Bar Association letter Besides the Bar Association, those signing the letter were: Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association Nebraska Defense Counsel Association Adams County Bar Association Buffalo County Bar Association Dawson County Bar Association Dodge County Bar Association Lincoln Bar Association Sarpy County Bar Association Saunders County Bar Association Scotts Bluff County Bar Association Legal Aid of Nebraska Richard Moberly, (in his individual capacity) Dean, University of Nebraska College of Law Joshua P. Fershée (in his individual capacity) Dean, Creighton University School of Law SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Effingham Co. students take part in Law Day
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Students from around Effingham County participated in Law Day last week. The Effingham County Sheriff's Office said that the participating students arrived at the Government Center on Thursday morning, and were greeted by Resident Judge Bryan Kibler. Then, the students toured the underground transport hallway and the Effingham County Jail. Effingham transitioning to new payment portal Photos courtesy of Effingham County Sheriff's Office Students were also brought to Accuracy Firearms, an indoor range. There, they fired weapons and spoke with officers from the sheriff's office. After a Law Day program, Elk's Lodge 1016 provided lunch for the students. Then, students went to various county offices to job shadow for the rest of the afternoon. Law Day has been observed in the United States since 1958. 'We hope that Law Day brought awareness to students about their local government and encourages them to vote and get involved in local elections,' the sheriff's office said in a post on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
