Follow the Leader? Courtesy and the Rule of Law in the Age of Trump

Stan Twardy was quoted in an analysis article, "Follow the Leader? Courtesy and the Rule of Law in the Age of Trump," published by the Connecticut Law Tribune. The article discusses the rule of law, the general principle that everyone is subjected to the law, which has been a recent subject of debate under President Trump. Twardy, who recently served as a moderator at the Connecticut Bar Association "Rule of Law Conference," told the Connecticut Law Tribune everyone is to blame for the current jarring tone and any lack of civility. "The rule of law is a contract people have to govern themselves," he said. "The rule of law has been under attack before Trump was elected. People have taken the adherence to the rule of law for granted and, therefore, fail to ensure that subsequent generations are aware of it."

As noted in the article, attorneys recognize the criticism on the judiciary and the rule of law stemming from the Oval Office. "The judiciary is part of our government and when the branches do no respect each other, there is a problem." Twardy said. "I think it's counterproductive for the president to be talking about a judge's heritage," he continued, referring to the president's admonition of a judge of Mexican-American descent with whose ruling Trump disagreed. "[Chief Justice] Roberts pushed back, and that was important for the judiciary to do."

Further, Twardy told the Connecticut Law Tribune that education is the answer. "There is no magic wand you will weave," he said. "You need to be out in the public and remind people of the importance of the rule of law. We have to speak out and let people know the rule of law is important. Our society depends on the rule of law."