Photo of wooden judge's gavel in the library, focus on the gavel

Special Statement Regarding the Rule of Law

The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyer’s Oath begins:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm):

I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Michigan;

I will maintain the respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers;

Adherence to and defense of the principles contained in our Constitution transcend politics. It is a requirement of our Oath as lawyers. It is a requirement of the Oath of our elected officials. If lawyers, judges and elected officials don’t respect and uphold the Constitution, the foundations of our republic are threatened.

That we are a government of laws and not of individuals is fundamental to the structure of the United States government. The Rule of Law is meant to ensure that the government actions are based on laws and not the whims of individuals.

The Constitution sets forth a system of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent abuses of power and to ensure that the government operates within the framework of the Constitution.

Similarly, the Bill of Rights protects, among others, the rights of individuals to freedom of speech and due process.

The Constitution and the rights of individuals cannot be sacrificed for political expediency.

Recent events have demonstrated threats to the independent judiciary of this country and to lawyers and judges who have carried out their duties consistently with their oaths of office.

Adherence to the requirements of the Constitution is independent of political outcomes. Our oath as lawyers requires us to defend our institutions, and our Constitution, first, foremost and always.

The Detroit Bar Association will continue to advocate, as required by our lawyer’s oath, for justice for all and to protect these principles.

This statement is made by the duly elected directors and trustees of the 2025 Detroit Bar Association and Foundation’s respective boards, not on behalf of all individual DBA members. It does not necessarily reflect the views of directors’ and trustees’ employers.