Their purpose is to create conflict among their audience, to shock and belittle for the sake of higher ratings and advertising dollars. We have all witnessed brutal editorials when a suspected criminal s case is dismissed on a technicality. Yet to maintain impartiality, judges are essentially barred from responding. A lawyer, in order to assist in maintaining the fair and independent administration of justice, should support and continue traditional efforts to defend judges and courts from unjust criticism. For every lawyer who speaks up for judges, there are 10 who resonate with silence or profound ambivalence.
Some lawyers even join in the attack a form of cannibalism.
The resulting loss of respect for our judiciary fosters even greater loss of respect for the entire legal profession. As we have seen in election years, members of the judiciary are easy targets for politicians looking for votes. Even more disconcerting are attorneys with political or other agendas who are openly critical of judges. Lost in the lies, distortions and ridicule is the incredible dedication, hard work and frequent sacrifices of personal time of our judges. An example of this dedication is the implementation of a juvenile drug court by the superior court judges in Spokane.