HARRISBURG (March 22, 2018) — Pennsylvania Bar Association President Sharon R. López has issued the following updated statement regarding calls for the impeachment of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices:
“Today, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor took the rare step of issuing a public statement regarding potential impeachment proceedings against members of the Supreme Court.
As the state’s largest organized bar, the Pennsylvania Bar Association joins with the Chief Justice in being ‘very concerned’ about the reported filing of impeachment resolutions against the justices’ ruling regarding congressional redistricting.
The judiciary must have the independence to interpret the law without political interference or threats of impeachment by another branch of our democracy. The independence of our judiciary and the separation of powers among our judicial, legislative and executive branches are essential to maintaining our government.
Calls for impeachment are not supported by the Pennsylvania Constitution which makes clear that public officials can be impeached ‘for any misbehavior in office.’ There is no misbehavior tied to the court’s ruling.
As we have stated earlier, we at the Pennsylvania Bar Association believe our legislators will ultimately keep the public trust in our system of government, the independence of our judiciary, and the rule of law, even though there is disagreement with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision.”
Founded in 1895, the PBA strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 26,000 lawyers who are members of the association
##
Source: Pennsylvania Bar Association, 100 South Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101