As the voice of the legal profession in Canada, the Canadian Bar Association stands in firm support of the rule of law, judicial independence and the right to counsel—principles that are fundamental to any democracy.
We are increasingly concerned about growing pressures on courts and legal professionals in the United States, including political attacks on judges and lawyers, challenges to judicial independence, and actions that risk eroding public confidence in the legal system. A strong, impartial and independent judiciary is essential to ensuring that laws are applied fairly and that democratic institutions function effectively.
We also underscore the broader impact of legal norms on global stability. When international legal commitments are disregarded, the integrity of the rules-based international system is put at risk. Canadians and all members of the international community rely on strong legal frameworks to govern international relations, drive fair trade and safeguard human rights.
History has shown that democratic stability depends on respect for legal institutions and the ability of courts and the legal profession to function without undue influence or intimidation. Any attempt to weaken these institutions not only threatens justice within a country’s borders but also has far-reaching implications for the global legal order and the shared commitment of democratic nations to uphold the rule of law.
The Canadian Bar Association affirms its commitment alongside the American Bar Association and our colleagues in the U.S. legal community who are working to uphold these foundational principles in the face of unprecedented challenges. We look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with the ABA in our shared efforts to protect judicial independence, an independent legal profession and strengthen public confidence in the legal system.
