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    The Committee on the American Judicial System

    Protecting judicial independence and the rule of law. Preserving fair and impartial courts. Responding to unjust criticism of the judiciary and the media.

    The Background and Mission of the Committee

    The Litigation Section is proud to be the home of the Committee on the American Judicial System. The Committee was created in the 2019–2020 bar year to continue the important mission and work started by the ABA Standing Committee on the American Judicial System and its Subcommittee on Federal Courts and Subcommittee on State Courts. The Standing Committee was sunset in August 2019. In 2022–2023, the Committee on the American Judicial System is chaired by Kenneth R. Berman, Barbara J. Dawson, and Hon. Virginia Kendall. The mission of the Committee is: (i) protecting judicial independence and the rule of law; (ii) preserving fair and impartial courts; and (iii) responding to unjust criticism of the judiciary and the media.

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    Your donation helps protect judicial independence and the rule of law and preserve fair and impartial courts.

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    In the News

    Recent news and analysis covering the American judicial system.

    Defending Justice: Essays on Judicial Indepedence

    These thoughtful essays delve into fairness, impartiality, access to justice and adherence to the rule of law. Judges and lawyers reflect on the American judicial system, its status in the world and its willingness to address faults honestly. A joint production of the ABA Journal and the Section of Litigation Committee on the American Judicial System.

    ABA Journal - Defending Justice

    How-to Guide for Rapid Response to Fake News, Misleading Statements, and Unjust Criticism of the Judiciary

    The updated version of the Rapid Response to Fake News, Misleading Statements, and Unjust Criticism of the Judiciary is available for download. This booklet serves as a tool to guide bar associations as they prepare for and respond to unjust attacks. This resource will walk you through how to evaluate whether an attack is unjust, whether it requires a response, and how to respond most effectively.

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