Hundreds Of Law School Deans, Professors, Law Firm Partners, And Former Judges Demand That Government Officials Obey The Rule Of Law

The rule of law is considered the bedrock principle upon which our government is built. Unfortunately, after a little more than a month of President Donald Trump’s second term in office, there are growing concerns that the rule of law may be in grave danger.

This precarious situation has inspired leaders of the bar to step up to affirm their support of the rule of law in America. To that end, more than 500 law school deans and professors, law firm partners, and former judges have signed a letter calling on all government officials — including President Trump — to obey judicial decisions.

Here’s an excerpt from that letter:

Presidents from the early days of our Republic have pushed the boundaries of their authority. But virtually without exception, presidents have abided by court orders, even ones with which they strongly disagree.

There are disturbing signs that the administration of President Trump will defy court orders. On several occasions, the administration has proclaimed that the President is not required to comply with court decisions. Even worse, on other occasions, members of the Trump administration have openly defied judicial orders. …

We call on the President and all in the executive branch to abide by court orders. We urge Congress to play its role under the Constitution in checking abuses of presidential power. And we ask that the courts play their fundamental role in enforcing the Constitution of the United States.

A copy of that letter can be found below. What will you do to support the rule of law and safeguard our democracy?

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Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.