In a significant move to protect judicial independence in the United States, a bipartisan group of over 40 retired federal judges has launched the Article III Coalition, an advocacy group focused on defending the independence of the judiciary from increasing political pressures and public hostility. The coalition, named after Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the federal judiciary, aims to ensure that judges can rule impartially without fear of retaliation or political interference.
The formation of the coalition comes in response to rising threats against federal judges, including the tragic attack on the family of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in 2020. In the wake of this attack and a broader pattern of increasing violence and intimidation toward judges, the coalition seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving judicial independence and protecting judges from external pressures.
The growing number of threats against judges—over 1,000 in recent years—has raised alarms among legal professionals, with many fearing that these attacks could undermine the rule of law and the public’s confidence in the judicial system. The coalition aims to address these concerns by advocating for stronger protections for judges and speaking out against attempts to politicize or undermine the judiciary.
Protecting Judicial Integrity for the U.S. Legal System
The Article III Coalition has emphasized that judicial independence is vital to maintaining the integrity of the legal system and upholding the principles of justice. As independent decision-makers, judges are tasked with interpreting the law and making rulings based on legal precedent, not political influence or public opinion. An attack on the judiciary’s independence, the coalition argues, is an attack on the very foundations of the American legal system.
“The independence of our judiciary is a cornerstone of our democracy and economy,” said former Judge Michael H. Watson, a member of the coalition. “A fair and impartial judiciary is essential for maintaining business confidence, protecting contracts, and ensuring that disputes are resolved according to the law, not the whims of political forces.”
Judicial independence also ensures the ability to uphold constitutional rights, including the protection of property, civil liberties, and access to justice. Without an independent judiciary, the rule of law would be compromised, leading to a loss of public trust in the legal system, which could destabilize the business environment and undermine the U.S. economy.
International Implications: Judicial Independence as a Global Issue
The coalition’s message is not just relevant in the U.S. but is also drawing attention internationally. The International Association of Judges (IAJ), a global organization that advocates for judicial independence, issued a formal letter condemning the threats faced by U.S. judges. The IAJ expressed concern that such attacks could harm the U.S.’s reputation as a trusted venue for international legal arbitration and dispute resolution.
“If the judiciary is weakened or compromised, it will have far-reaching implications not only for U.S. citizens but also for international business and legal relations,” said Paolo F. Gentile, President of the IAJ. “Judicial independence is vital for ensuring that international companies can have confidence in U.S. courts for fair arbitration and dispute resolution.”
The coalition is calling for more robust protections for federal judges, including enhanced security measures and legal reforms to ensure that judges are shielded from threats and political pressures. They are also pushing for stronger legal frameworks to ensure that any attempt to undermine judicial independence is met with swift and decisive action.
Advocating for a Stronger Future
The efforts of the Article III Coalition are crucial for preserving the integrity of the U.S. judicial system. As the coalition continues to advocate for reforms, their work highlights the ongoing importance of safeguarding judicial independence in an era of increasing political polarization. Legal professionals, business leaders, and policymakers must work together to protect the judiciary and ensure that it remains a pillar of fairness and justice in American society.
