Commentary: The Role of the Organized Bar in Promoting an Independent and Accountable Judiciary

The organized bar has a long history of promoting an independent and accountable judiciary. Lawyers and judges have led efforts to improve judicial selection methods, establish codes of conduct and ethics, and promote public trust and confidence in the judiciary. Judicial independence is threatened by increasingly expensive and partisan judicial elections in the states and legislative attempts to restrict the jurisdiction and funding of the courts. Bar associations must explore creative approaches to promoting a more diverse judiciary, adequate funding of courts, and respect for the judiciary as a separate and co-equal branch of government.