The following letter was sent to state and local bar association executive directors and presidents on behalf of ABA President Karen J. Mathis. Additionally, it was sent to the ABA House of Delegates.

Dear Bar Leader,


Election Day is around the corner, and this year's vote has raised special concerns about the possible effect on fair and impartial courts in America.

In many states, unprecedented fundraising and advocacy by special interest groups has raised concerns about whether courts could become subject to outside political manipulation. In addition, voters in several states will consider ballot initiatives that could undermine fair and impartial courts.

Many bar leaders across the country are disturbed by what they see and are grappling with the best ways to respond.

The ABA Standing Committee on Judicial Independence, chaired by Doreen Dodson, has been giving presentations at ABA and state and local bar meetings designed to assist participants in defending fair and impartial courts. As part of this process, the committee has developed an online resource kit. The materials include a sample op-ed and letter to the editor that local bar leaders and others may tweak and use to respond to specific issues in their community.

Please, review this resource kit and make use of it in the remaining days before the election. A fair and impartial court system is vital to our system of democratic government. Please do everything you can to help preserve it.


Yours very truly,

Karen J. Mathis
American Bar Association President