As retired US judges, we’re not used to speaking out. But we cannot be silent | Michael P Donnelly and Robert F Orr
We joined a recent bus tour of 30 judges, lawyers and advocates fighting not for any partisan aim, but for the rule of law itselfLast October, US lawyers, judges and rule-of-law advocates traveled to Warsaw as guests of the Carter Center. Neither of us was among them.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
Retired US judges Michael P Donnelly and Robert F Orr say they usually stay quiet but feel they must speak now. They joined a bus tour with 30 judges, lawyers and advocates who are defending the rule of law. Last October, a group of US legal professionals visited Warsaw as guests of the Carter Center and heard about judges in central Europe being watched, attacked, prosecuted or jailed for protecting independent courts. The judges’ stories inspired Donnelly and Orr to speak out about the threats to judicial independence.
Why it matters
When courts are undermined, democracy weakens and ordinary people lose fair protection under the law. Protecting independent judges helps keep government power in check and safeguards everyone’s rights.
- Who are the authors of the piece?
- Retired US judges Michael P Donnelly and Robert F Orr.
- What inspired the judges to speak out?
- Stories from colleagues about judges in central Europe being surveilled, smeared, prosecuted or jailed for defending court independence.
- Where did the US legal professionals travel last October?
- They traveled to Warsaw as guests of the Carter Center.
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As retired US judges, we’re not used to speaking out. But we cannot be silent | Michael P Donnelly and Robert F Orr
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US