Hartford County Bar Association Statement on Protecting the Rule of Law

Hartford County Bar Association Statement on Protecting the Rule of Law

The Hartford County Bar Association is the oldest continuously operated bar association in the United States, tracing its roots to 1783. The core principles of our Association include facilitating the administration of justice and encouraging, supporting and protecting the rule of law. The rule of law is an essential pillar of justice, democracy, and equality on which our nation was founded and which we must continue to promote and protect.

In times like the current, it is important that we foster public understanding of the rule of law and judicial independence. We remain steadfast in opposing actions that undermine legal protections, independence and impartiality. The integrity of judges and the judicial system must be protected at all times. Judges must be free to interpret and apply the law without external pressure, political interference, or personal intimidation. Attempts to intimidate or penalize judges for interpreting and applying the law in an independent manner must not be condoned. Undermining judicial independence not only threatens individual rights and freedoms but also weakens public confidence in the institutions that safeguard our democracy.

We also oppose actions that undermine the right to counsel. Our justice system is premised on the principle that all individuals and entities are entitled to legal representation, regardless of their political, social or economic situation. This principle is a foundation of our democracy, enshrined in our Constitution and must be protected. Attempts to intimidate or penalize attorneys for representing clients and advocating positions that do not align with the government or other individuals are antithetical to our democracy and undermine our system of justice and must not be condoned.

The Hartford County Bar Association reaffirms its commitment to educating and encouraging all members of society to respect the authority and independence of the judicial branch. As we celebrate Law Day on May 1, let us remain steadfast in our shared responsibility to promote and uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability. In doing so, we protect not only the judicial system but also the very fabric of our democracy.

Moy N. Ogilvie, President

Meghan M. Burns, President-Elect

Allenston M. Sheridan, Jr., Treasurer

Garrett S. Flynn, Secretary

Michael T. McCormack, Immediate Past President

John L. Laudati, Past President (2023 – 2024)