Yeomans: Trump’s Threats to Justice

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 7 – In the latest edition of Yeomans Work, “Trump’s Threats to the Justice System,” AFJ Ronald Goldfarb Fellow for Justice Bill Yeomans notes just some of the ways in which President Trump has shown disregard for the rule of law since taking office. He writes:

“The least the nation should expect from a president is respect for our system of justice and the constitutional structure of separated powers within which it operates. Since he launched his campaign for president, Donald Trump has exhibited stunning ignorance of and utter disrespect for the rule of law. Through his statements and actions, the president has trampled a field of long-respected constitutional norms essential to the survival of our justice system.”

According to Yeomans, there are at least four important norms that President Trump has ignored:

1. The president must not politicize the administration of justice by commenting on the guilt, innocence, or desired punishment of individuals charged with crimes.

2. Presidents do not demand prosecution of their political opponents.

3. The president must respect the independence of the attorney general and the Department of Justice.

4. The president must respect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Yeomans Work chronicles threats to the justice system under President Trump, including ongoing assaults on the rule of the law and the unfolding saga of the Russia investigation. Bill Yeomans is available for interviews. Contact Laurie Kinney at laurie@afj.org