PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Rule of Law By Jonathan M. Shapiro

Jonathan M. Shapiro is the 95th presi- dent of the CBA. He is a partner in the Shapiro Law Offices PC in Middle- Attorney Rangappa’s speech highlighted town, where he practices in corporate the province of judges and lawyers, and some of the issues challenging our de- transactions, employment matters, thataffirmed all of that Connecticut’s the Rule of communityLaw is not solely lead- mocracy. She cited research from Profes- and complex commercial and general ers have a central role in both shaping and sor Tom Tyler of that be- litigation, as well as in arbitrations and mediations. He regularly serves defending this fundamental concept. tween 70-90 percent of people surveyed as “local counsel” for non-Connecti- - On December 6, 2018, the CBA, in collab- cut-based firms that are admitted to dence in the Supreme Court. practice pro hac vice. oration with the Commission on Women, Aexpressed poll conducted low levels last ofApril trust by and NPR confi and Children and Seniors (CWCS) hosted its Marist found that 61 percent of Americans believe that the FBI is unbiased and doing since the 2012 conference. We felt it was its job—but that was a precipitous ten imperativethird Rule to of hold Law a Conference Rule of Law and Confer first- percent drop from just two months prior. ence this year due to the changing land- Justice McDonald highlighted the attempts scape of our country. At this year’s con- to intrude on judicial independence The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) ference, we brought together politicians, throughout the country. At its core, Attor- hosted its initial Rule of Law Conference members of the media, and students to ney Rangappa’s message was clear and in June of 2010. The 2010 conference pro- examine the challenges to the Rule of straightforward: To undermine the Rule vided a positive assessment of Connecti- Law, their role in its advancement, and of Law, the justice system does not have to cut’s judiciary but expressed concern as how we can safeguard the Rule of Law for be corrupt. You only need to convince the to Connecticut’s administrative agencies. the future. public that it is corrupt and unfair. Accordingly, the CBA hosted a second Throughout this issue of Connecticut Law- Rule of Law Conference on November 16, In former Vice President Al Gore’s 2000 yer, you will have the opportunity to read concession speech, he said: “Now the U.S. about the conference. If you read nothing Building. The 2012 conference responded Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be 2012 at the Connecticut Legislative Office else in Connecticut Lawyer this year, please to the concerns of the 2010 conference no doubt, while I strongly disagree with and focused on the principles of the Rule the court’s decision, I accept it. I accept by former FBI Agent and current Yale of Law as they apply to the functioning of Universityfind the time senior to read lecturer the keynote and CNN address con- administrative agencies. The conference - tributor, Asha Rangappa, and the closing gathered leaders from the Connecticut lege.the finality And tonight, of this foroutcome, the sake which of our will unity be remarks by Connecticut Supreme Court judiciary, the legislative agencies, and the asratified a people next and Monday the strength in the ofElectoral our democ Col- Justice Andrew J. McDonald. Their com- business community. The conference re- racy, I offer my concession.” Regardless of ments were eye-opening and compelling.

4 Connecticut Lawyer January/February 2019 Visit www.ctbar.org I have always considered myself to be realistic while hoping that we strive to achieve the ideals we champion. The conference gave me renewed hope that this is still possible.

your politics, that is respect for the Rule of value, safeguard, and advance the Rule of develop programming and resources, in- Law. That respect is waning. A quick look Law. We must help restore faith in the Rule cluding an online library and regular blog, at anyone’s Facebook feed and you can see of Law and judicial independence. And we to educate the press and the public. We the growing lack of trust in our system. must do so with a renewed sense of urgen- also intend on collaborating with the judi- cy. But how? cial branch to hold community and town I have always considered myself to be meetings to further educate the public. realistic while hoping that we strive to We are in the process of preparing a sum- We will provide continuing and increased achieve the ideals we champion. The con- mary and action plan arising out of the support to programming that teaches civ- ference gave me renewed hope that this conference. It is clear greater education ics education to our younger generations. is still possible. Of the attendees, nearly about the Rule of Law needs to be provid- To oversee these efforts, we will establish half were students. They were intelligent, ed to the public—both younger and older. a Rule of Law Committee dedicated to its inquisitive, and engaging. The questions This education must encompass explain- protection. My hope is that many of you they asked were poignant and insightful. ing to the public, including the media, the will join us in these efforts, and I invite You can tell these students were thirsty judicial process that is fundamental to the you to reach out to me if you are willing for knowledge. We must give them and Rule of Law and the importance of judicial n the general public the tools they need to independence. In order to do so, we will to join me. Order the 2019 Membership Guide and Directory Your Guide to Connecticut’s Largest Legal Community

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