A recent study by Justice at Stake found that 94 percent of Americans believe that courts should be free from political influence. At the same time, the study learned that 62 percent of Americans believe the courts should be accountable to the Constitution.

Even with such strong feelings on the importance of role courts play in the government of the United States, many do not understand how the courts work, the criteria judges must use in deciding cases or even how judges are selected.

While some people want the courts to think like they do, when asked what they require from the courts, most people want to know that judges have not made up their minds in advance. They also expect that when it is their turn to bring concerns to court that they will have a fair judge.

To help people learn about the courts, we at the __________ Bar Association can take the lead in this community to ensure that people understand that fair and impartial courts are critical to our rights under the Constitution.

We can also help people understand the kinds of questions judges face as well as how to ensure that we have highly qualified individuals serving as judges. We can explain that judges are like referees who make tough decisions and enforce the rule even when their decisions are unpopular. We can explain how judges are accountable, and we can offer information on how the Framers of the Constitution protected courts from political influence so judges could be fair.

We can create this understanding in conversations with friends and families or by speaking to community groups.

Guides from the ABA, "Countering the Critics I" and "Countering the Critics II," can help you prepare for individual or group discussions by suggesting responses to tough questions. The Guides include tips for speaking as well as background to help you prepare for questions that are easy, challenging or from out of the blue. It also offers suggestions for building a bridge between difficult questions and the message you want to communicate.

By creating understanding of the judicial branch, we can help ensure a fair and impartial judiciary for all of us.

For a copy of the "Countering the Critics I and II" Q and A Guide, please click here.

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© 2008 American Bar Association