Our Courts, Our Rights: Defending Justice Beyond 2024 - Alliance for Justice

Our Courts, Our Rights: Defending Justice Beyond 2024

For 45 years, Alliance for Justice has championed fair and ethical courts that uphold democracy and protect people’s rights. This report examines President Biden’s historic record on judicial diversity, highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Trump-appointed judges, and underscores the urgent need for court reform to safeguard our democracy. As we face a pivotal moment for the judiciary, AFJ remains committed to advocating for judges who reflect the diversity and values of our nation.

President Biden leaves office with a commendable record on judicial appointments. From the start, he pledged to select well-qualified judges reflecting diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, and disability. He also prioritized nominees with legal backgrounds historically underrepresented on the federal bench. He delivered on that promise: Overall, 64% of his confirmed judges are women, 63% people of color, and 46% are professionally diverse and have significant experience as public defenders, labor lawyers, civil rights attorneys, and more.

As we move into a second Trump administration...

Biden’s judges will be a vital bulwark against the attacks on peoples’ rights and democracy that will be coming. The lasting harm done by judges and justices confirmed under President Trump’s first term — to reproductive rights, workers’ rights, the environment, and our democracy, as well as to the federal judiciary’s reputation, through its mountain of ethics scandals — cannot be understated. Looking forward, we can expect the second Trump administration to again nominate judges based on their personal loyalty to Donald Trump and their dedication to furthering the interests of the wealthy and powerful and the Republican party, rather than their qualifications or fair-mindedness.

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