On Aug. 6, the American Bar Association House of Delegates passed Resolution 801, which adopts the “Statement of Principles to Preserve, Protect and Defend the Constitution, the Rule of Law and American Democracy” by the Society for the Rule of Law.
During the past year, the ABA Presidential Task Force on American Democracy, created by ABA President Mary Smith, has been working to expose and combat perceived threats to the cornerstones of the U.S.’s democratic form of government, according to a press release.
“It is imperative for the American Bar Association and the legal profession to lead the way in protecting our democracy,” said Smith in a press release. “Lawyers are uniquely equipped to uphold the rule of law, rejuvenate judicial norms and safeguard election integrity. Adopting this overarching Statement of Principles as policy sends a powerful message of the ABA’s commitment and rededication to the fundamental principles underpinning our enduring democracy and bolsters the ABA’s charge as the voice of the legal profession to stand up for the democratic institutions that have made our country great.”
While the Statement of Principles is consistent with existing ABA policy, this resolution “enables a comprehensive and forceful stance at this critical moment in defense of democracy and the rule of law,” added Smith.