A Nonpartisan Call to Protect
Our Courts, Our Constitution,
Our Democracy, and
the Rule of Law
An Open Letter from South Carolina Lawyers
Fellow South Carolinians,
Our nation was founded on the principle that legal disputes should be resolved in courtrooms, not through threats or violence. This principle protects every one of us, ensuring equal access to justice and equal protection under the law.
Today, that principle is under unprecedented attack.
Federal and State judges across America face death threats because of their rulings. In 2025 alone, nearly 200 federal judges have received serious death threats, often directly tied to decisions they have made from the bench.
Lawyers are being intimidated and targeted by government agencies because of the clients and causes they represent.
When courts cannot guarantee equal protection and due process for all, our democracy fails everyone.
Our Shared Principles
Due Process:
Every person deserves a fair hearing before being deprived of his or her life, liberty, or property, and every party to a legal dispute should follow the law and comply with court orders throughout that process.
Equal Protection:
True equality under the law demands a full and fair commitment to ensuring that everyone is treated equally regardless of who you are, the color of your skin, or your station in life.
Judicial Independence:
Judges must decide cases based on the facts and the law, not fear of violence. Threatening judges or court staff is never acceptable.
Right To Zealous Representation:
Lawyers must be free to represent all clients without fear of government retaliation, and lawyers must be candid and truthful with the court regardless of the client or cause they represent.
These are not partisan positions, they are democratic principles.
When a court decision is disputed, the proper response is to pursue available legal remedies rather than criticize the judge personally. Respect for the rule of law requires that legal processes remain above personal or public attacks.
South Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law
Steering Committee
Malcolm M Crosland Jr, Esq
J Kevin Holmes, Esq
Armand Derfner, Esq
Robert Haley, Esq
Justin Kahn, Esq
Ellis Kahn, Esq
The Hon. James Melville
David T Pearlman, Esq
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