In our increasingly hostile political environment, public disagreement and debate have taken a concerning turn towards the judiciary. The rapid escalation of disparagement against judges raises questions about their safety and resilience amid societal tumult. Despite the legislative branch’s attempts to ameliorate this safety gap, the responsibility falls onto the shoulders of lawyers, who, according to Deborah Winokur writing at Cozen O’Connor, have a moral imperative and professional requirement to stand with judges.
Attorneys play a substantial role in the legal sector, and their duty extends beyond individual cases. They have an ethical responsibility towards the preservation of the judicial system, which includes supporting and protecting judges. Such backstage accountability is as essential as the public work they undertake in courtrooms. Attorneys must act as the first line of defense, helping diffuse attacks against judges and their rulings. This combined effort from the legislative branch and lawyers can help bolster the judiciary’s position, ensuring its rulings are respected and its members protected.