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- RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Bar
Association has adopted an official procedure for responding to unjust criticism of
judges, their decisions and the judiciary in general: and
WHEREAS, the independence of the
judiciary is the cornerstone of our justice system, which is the firmest pillar of good
government; and
WHEREAS, unfair attacks on judges, or
the judiciary in general, which seek to influence judges’ decisions and undermine
public confidence in the administration of justice, may shake the system and democracy
itself; and
WHEREAS, ethical rules of judicial
conduct prevent judges themselves from speaking up; and
WHEREAS, the procedure adopted by the
New Jersey State Bar Association has determined that it is up to the organized bar to
respond and promote the ability of the courts to dispense justice fairly and meet the
threat to judicial independence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the
American Judges Association through its Board of Governors, that this Association hereby
commends the New Jersey State Bar Association, its officers and members for their courage
and exemplary action to protect our democratic system of justice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of
this Resolution be sent to New Jersey State Bar Association President, Cynthia M. Jacob,
as an expression of our praise and gratitude; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of
this Resolution also be sent to all the Presidents of the state, provincial and
territorial bar associations, as an encouragement to them to act similarly in defending
judicial independence and the integrity and credibility of our system of justice.
