Is the rule of law dead?

RuleOfLawBreakfastsWe are at a critical moment in world history. Citizens around the world are divided over many issues— public health, climate change and the rise in nationalism—to name a few. These divisions have caused, or have the potential to cause, a decreasing faith in the legitimacy of institutions and a growing distrust among their citizenry. We have seen attacks on the justice system, and indeed physical attacks on judges (and lawyers) themselves. Such assaults, whether rhetorical or physical, jeopardize the rule of law across the spectrum of jurisdictions. In this time of division, what can bar associations and the legal profession do to lead the way in to restore confidence in our democratic institutions, in the judicial system, and to protect the rule of law? The panel will discuss these issues, and undoubtedly bring forth more questions than answers, but promises a provocative discussion on this most fundamental of questions.