We Should Criticize The Judiciary. It’s How We Hold The Institution Accountable.

Some judges apparently believe they should be exempt from criticism and public scrutiny — in addition to being exempt from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other anti-discrimination laws, and from oversight and accountability. In fact, we should criticize the judiciary: it’s how we hold the most powerful and least accountable institution, accountable for ethical lapses and misconduct.

In Above the Law, Aliza Shatzman argues that Judge Edith Jones’ Federalist Society exchange with Professor Vladeck exemplifies larger issues with the way many discuss and engage with the courts. If neither Congress nor the media will hold the judiciary’s feet to the fire and ask tough questions about their refusal to admit the scope of misconduct in their ranks and implement meaningful reforms, it’s up to us to speak truth to power. And, it’s up to outside organizations like The Legal Accountability Project to hold the courts accountable through transparency and, yes, criticism when they fall short of basic standards of human decency and workplace conduct.