YCBA issues Statement on the Importance of an Independent Judiciary

The York County Bar Association (YCBA) stands in unison with all lawyers, judges, and Bar Associations in advocating for the continued integrity and independence of our legal system. 

Recently, there have been an increased number of attacks against the legal work of judges, lawyers, and law firms, including threats, intimidation, and calls for impeachment from office.  No judge or attorney should be attacked personally or professionally for the lawful work that they do.  The YCBA denounces any such threats, efforts, and attempts to weaken our legal system and reaffirms our commitment to an independent judiciary. 

The YCBA urges the respect of judges, the decisions of our courts, and the established practices that are in place to uphold the independence of our judicial branch.  The calls to impeach judges for unpopular decisions threaten the integrity of our courts and their ability to administer justice with fairness and impartiality. The public must be able to trust the principles of our legal system, which require both an understanding of and a mutual respect for the principles of our legal system.

We agree with Chief Justice Roberts that the calls to weaken our judicial branch of government are not new but are increasing.  As attorneys, we have a unique and important opportunity to educate the public about the role and responsibility that lawyers, judges, and litigants play in our legal system. 

Consistent with the values outlined in our YCBA mission statement, we will continue efforts of community outreach and providing educational programming that advance the conversation about the fundamental principles that form our system of justice, such as judicial independence. 

YCBA President Jennifer A Galloway, Esq. and YCBA President-Elect Justin A. Tomevi, Esq.