Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) has issued a strong statement opposing the politicized attacks on the state’s judiciary, highlighting concerns over recent criticisms aimed at individual judges and justices stemming from their legal rulings. The statement comes amid growing tensions over court decisions involving highly charged issues such as abortion rights, with activists on various sides of the debates calling for the impeachment or removal of several justices.
Bill Graham, Vice-Chair of the Iowa State Committee, affirmed the group’s commitment to protecting judicial independence, urging respect for the legal processes and decisions made by the courts. This assertion echoes earlier concerns following proposals to impeach Chief Justice Susan Christensen and Justices Thomas Waterman and Edward Mansfield over a ruling last year that prevented the enforcement of a fetal heartbeat abortion bill. Despite vehement calls for their removal, those efforts ultimately faltered.
The controversy intensified after an opinion article by Lea DeLong of Iowans for Reproductive Freedom, which was discussed in the Des Moines Register, advocated for the dismissal of Justice David May due to his role in upholding a 6-week abortion ban. Critics argue that such decisions do not reflect the state’s ideological landscape, labeling some justices as out of touch.
This pattern of targeting justices based on their rulings disrupts the core tenets of a fair judicial system, according to the ACTL. The committee stresses that the assault on individual justices ignores the objective legal analysis and due process involved in judicial decision-making. They contend that undermining judges through threats or political pressure jeopardizes not only the integrity of the judiciary but also the democratic foundations upon which it stands.
The ongoing disputes underscore a broader national dialogue about the balance between judicial independence and accountability. While there is an undeniable right for public dissent against court decisions, the ACTL contends such disagreements must not translate into punitive actions against judges. Upholding the principle that courts should operate free from external influences, including political pressures, is crucial for the rule of law.
Supporting an impartial judiciary, the Iowa State Committee of the ACTL points out that differences of opinion within the court reflect a healthy discourse rather than a failing that requires remedial action such as removal from office. Judges, they insist, must rule based on legal fidelity, untouched by prevailing political winds or ideologies.
The Iowa Chapter of the ACTL, a non-partisan group comprised of highly respected legal professionals from various backgrounds throughout the state, reinforces that their stance does not align with any political party or ideological agendas. Their dedication is purely to the advancement of justice and maintaining high standards of professional conduct among trial lawyers.
Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is notable for its rigorous selection process and comprises some of the most esteemed trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. The College is dedicated to enhancing the quality of trial and appellate advocacy, the ethics of the legal profession, and the administration of justice. Among its fundamental principles, the organization staunchly supports the independence of the judiciary and advocates for fair representation across the legal system, underscoring the significance of its recent affirmation of these Iowa justices and judges.
This reaffirmation from a leading legal body aims to serve as a reminder of the importance of judicial independence, an essential element in maintaining public confidence in the legal system and ensuring that justice is administered without fear or favour. The episode in Iowa illustrates the delicate balance between judicial accountability and the preservation of a judiciary capable of making decisions free from popularist pressures.