Press Releases

Statement of the Michigan Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates in Support of Chief Justice Roberts

March 30, 2026

By Robert Buchanan, Buchanan Firm, and Debra Freid, Freid Gallagher Taylor & Associates PC

The Michigan Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA-MI) supports the recent remarks of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who warned that personal attacks on members of the judiciary are “dangerous” and must stop. His remarks underscore a fundamental truth: while judicial decisions must remain subject to thoughtful and vigorous scrutiny, attacks on the character and integrity of judges threaten the foundation of our justice system.

Our constitutional framework depends upon three coequal branches of government. The judiciary, charged with interpreting the law and determining the constitutionality of actions by the legislative and executive branches, cannot fulfill that role if it is undermined by persistent, baseless personal attacks. As Chief Justice Roberts explained, there is an essential distinction between criticism of legal reasoning—which strengthens our system—and attacks on judges as individuals—which weakens it.

ABOTA is a nonpartisan organization committed to preserving the right to trial by jury, promoting civility and professionalism, and safeguarding an independent judiciary. ABOTA-MI reaffirms that when public discourse shifts from reasoned disagreement to accusations of corruption, incompetence, or disloyalty, it erodes public confidence in the courts and invites disregard for lawful judicial decisions. That shift does not advance the rule of law—it undermines it.

We echo Chief Justice Roberts’ call for a return to principled discourse. Criticism of judicial decisions is not only appropriate but necessary. However, it must be grounded in legal analysis, not personal attack. That distinction is critical to maintaining public trust in the courts.

At a time when judicial independence is under strain, ABOTA-MI reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law, respect for the judicial branch, and courts where disputes are resolved through reason, evidence, and principled decision-making—not through intimidation or personal attack.