In a bold move to defend democracy, a group of sitting and retired judges embarked on a unique road trip across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Their mission? To ignite a conversation about the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law. This initiative, funded by nonpartisan organizations, aimed to gauge public concern over the erosion of judicial power.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the judges' departure from their traditional silence. These legal experts, accustomed to expressing themselves through written opinions, felt compelled to speak out against the growing politicization of the judiciary.
"These are not normal times... I have no other choice than to get out and speak out about it," said former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly.
This sentiment was shared by Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, who fears the consequences of a public losing faith in the impartiality of the courts. She emphasized the need to educate people about their local judges and the critical role they play in upholding the law.
The judges' road trip, a test case for public engagement, included visits to classrooms, town squares, and community centers. They marched in robes, inspired by Poland's "March of a Thousand Robes" campaign, to emphasize the importance of judicial independence.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this story is the presence of an 18-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, Giancarlo Cappuccino, or "Carlo," as he became known. Carlo, a "democracy defender," accompanied Justice O'Connor throughout the trip, even gaining access to secure areas due to his unique title.
The judges' message was clear: the courts must remain above politics. They warned against personal attacks on judges and the increasing threats to their independence. As Judge Michael Mentel put it, "Degrading the judiciary is wrong."
The trip also highlighted the human side of judges, dispelling the notion of them as distant, hidden figures. As Judge Orr noted, "These are women and men from our communities... trying to do the right thing."
The judges' initiative received a warm response from the public, with people expressing their concerns about a politicized judiciary and the potential risks to their rights. The trip ended with a sense of hope, with several judges expressing their desire to see similar tours replicated nationwide.
In my opinion, this story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of an independent judiciary in a functioning democracy. It showcases the dedication of these judges to their profession and their willingness to step out of their comfort zones to defend the principles they hold dear.
"The Constitution will not defend itself... Democracy will not defend itself," Justice Donnelly emphasized.
This road trip is a testament to the judges' commitment to preserving these fundamental principles and their belief in the power of public engagement.
