1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The credibility of our legal system hinges on attorneys' ability to represent their clients zealously without fear of reprisal from the government. Placing a Justice Department lawyer on administrative leave for advocating on behalf of a client and upholding legal principles corrodes faith in due process and equal justice under the law. Punishing those who challenge unlawful deportations and contest lack of evidence from authorities sets a dangerous precedent that undermines constitutional checks and balances. Lawyers must remain free to challenge overreach from any administration without jeopardizing their careers or facing politically motivated sanctions. Protecting their independence preserves our democratic system of impartial adjudication based on facts and statutes rather than partisan allegiances. Respecting counsels' ethical duties to vigorously defend clients is paramount to maintaining public confidence in fair judicial proceedings.