1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The independence of the federal judiciary is a cornerstone of American democracy and the rule of law. Judges must be able to rule impartially based solely on the Constitution and laws, without fear of retaliation or removal for decisions that displease the executive branch. Calls to impeach judges over rulings that enforce legitimate court orders undermine this vital principle of judicial independence. Such threats erode respect for the impartial administration of justice and the system of checks and balances enshrined in our Constitution. We must stand firmly against any efforts to intimidate the judiciary or undermine its role as a co-equal branch of government. Judicial orders must be followed, and the authority of the courts upheld, to preserve the foundations of our democratic system of government based on the rule of law.