Statement from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada on Threats to the Rule of Law, the Independence of the Bar and Judicial Independence in the United States
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada expresses its grave concern over recent developments in the United States that threaten the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary. These foundational principles underpin the Rule of Law in healthy democracies. Efforts to undermine them put fundamental freedoms at risk and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Recent actions and rhetoric targeting lawyers, law firms and judges pose a direct challenge to these foundational principles. The independence of the legal profession and the judiciary are essential to ensuring fair and impartial justice. Members of the public must be able to consult a member of the legal profession of their choice without fear that a lawyer or firm will face retribution for providing advice that may be in opposition to the government of the day. Judges must also be free to apply the law without fear of retribution or fear for their personal safety or that of their families.
The Federation values Canada’s steadfast commitment to the Rule of Law and recognizes the critical role of an independent legal profession and judiciary in safeguarding democracy. The Federation stands with colleagues in the American legal community who continue to defend these principles in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Federation President, Teresa Donnelly, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to these principles, stating, “The independence of the bar and judiciary are the cornerstones of a free and democratic society. The Federation will continue to uphold and advocate for these fundamental values, which are essential to democracy and the fair administration of justice. It is critical for societies that uphold these values to be role models for the world.”
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is the national association of the 14 law societies mandated by the provinces and territories to regulate Canada’s legal profession in the public interest. It is the body through which Canada’s law societies collaborate at the national level and share information on trends and issues affecting the legal profession. It is also the national and international voice of the law societies on matters related to the regulation and core values of the legal profession.
For more information on the Federation, please visit the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) website.