A bipartisan task force from the American Bar Association is urging lawyers across the United States to take action to safeguard democracy in the face of increasing authoritarianism. The urgent call comes ahead of the 2024 election, with a warning that the country is under threat from this dangerous trend.
Led by J. Michael Luttig, a conservative former federal appeals court judge appointed by President George Bush, and Jeh C. Johnson, a Homeland Security secretary during the Obama administration, the panel of legal experts and public figures is set to deliver a statement at the annual meeting in Chicago. While the statement does not directly mention former President Donald J. Trump, it is clear that the panel is alluding to his efforts to undermine the 2020 election results.
Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud and the violent Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, are cited as examples of the dangers posed by rising authoritarianism. The panel is calling on lawyers to step up and defend democracy by upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
The task force emphasizes the crucial role that legal professionals play in upholding democratic values and ensuring that the will of the people is respected. By speaking out against attempts to undermine the legitimacy of elections and working to strengthen the legal mechanisms that safeguard democracy, lawyers can make a significant impact in defending against authoritarian threats.
In a time when democratic norms are being challenged and the rule of law is under attack, the legal community has a responsibility to stand up for the principles that form the foundation of a free and fair society. The bipartisan task force’s call to action serves as a reminder that the defense of democracy requires a united front and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality for all. By heeding this call, lawyers can help protect the fundamental rights and freedoms that are essential to a functioning democracy.