COAL Recap – Judicial Candidates Edition

Our legal system is based on the principle that an independent, fair and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the laws that govern us. The role of the judiciary is central to American concepts of justice and the rule of law.

Our confidence in the judicial system is grounded in a belief that judges, at all levels, individually and collectively, will respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to enhance and maintain said confidence in our legal system. The judge is an arbiter of facts and law for the resolution of disputes and a highly visible symbol of government under the rule of law.

COAL recognizes that some have sought to use the justice system in partisan ways; 1) by thwarting the constitutional process of bringing presidential nominees for the supreme court before the senate for confirmation, and 2) by stacking the courts with far-right ideologues.

We, the electorate, must not allow the courts to become a political tool, rather, we must be even more vigilant in electing judges who will courageously honor their oath:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of judge of [….] court, according to the best of my ability.”

and adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Your vote for judicial candidates running in the June 28th Primary Election matters.

Respectfully,