The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks

What happens if jury trials disappear? Academy Fellows Quentin Brogdon, Kathy Patrick, and Craig Peters examine why juries are not just a court procedure. They are citizen power, public accountability, and a safeguard for equal justice.

In recognition of Juneteenth, Craig Peters sits down with Joe Tucker for a conversation about freedom, equality, and the unfinished work of justice. 

As the first Black President in the history of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Joe reflects on his service and shares why Juneteenth remains a powerful reminder that rights on paper mean little without enforcement, vigilance, and civic engagement. Together, they discuss the Academy's commitment to the Rule of Law and the responsibility lawyers have to question authority and safeguard justice for all.

Read the Academy's Official Statement on Juneteenth.

Season 4 of The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks kicks off with the Academy’s President-Elect, Craig Peters, and retired Federal Judge Philip Pro, of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition, discussing National Law Day. In this episode, they explore what Law Day means, why it matters, how each of us can honor it through action, and why defending the Rule of Law feels more urgent now than ever.

Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary’s essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

In part two of this special episode, Joe Tucker talks with Michael Coard about his leadership with the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition and the ongoing fight for truthful representation of American history in Philadelphia. That fight has reached the highest levels of government and reflects a larger national struggle over memory, truth, and who gets to define the American story. Michael shares why this work matters, why historical truth must be defended, and why justice demands that America be faced as it is, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Learn more about ⁠The Avenging the Ancestors Coalition⁠.

In this special two-part episode, Joe Tucker sits down with fellow lawyer and Philadelphia-based activist Michael Coard to discuss his deep commitment to the Rule of Law, in the courtroom and in his community. Called “the angriest Black man in America,” Michael shares the stories behind some of his most challenging and personal cases, and explains why he believes it is his duty to confront injustice, speak hard truths, and keep fighting.

In this episode, Joe Tucker continues his conversation with Judges Kathleen O’Malley and Liam O’Grady of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition. The discussion examines the safeguards of the Rule of Law, including the obligation of judges to set aside personal beliefs and to carefully examine the actions of the Department of Justice. In unprecedented times, the path forward is a return to precedent, with lawyers and judges working together to guide the way.

Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary’s essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org.

In this episode, Joe speaks with retired federal judges Kathleen O’Malley and Liam O’Grady of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition about judicial independence and its essential role in upholding the Rule of Law during periods of heightened political pressure. They discuss due process, public trust in the courts, and the implications of recent criticism directed at the Supreme Court for decisions grounded in established legal principles.

Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary’s essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

The news cycle moves fast. Opinions move even faster.

In Part Two, Joe Tucker and Keep Our Republic Article III Coalition judges Robert B. Kugler and Robert Cindrich examine the tangible economic and social damage that follows when the Rule of Law is disregarded. From strained business relationships and financial uncertainty to real harm in people's daily lives, they warn that without the assurance of fair, consistent laws, the consequences can be disastrous. They close by underscoring the essential role of juries and everyday civic participation, reminding listeners that the Rule of Law ultimately depends not only on courts and judges, but on citizens who show up, serve, and take part in democracy.

Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary's essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org. 

In Part One of this special two-part conversation, Joe Tucker speaks with retired federal judges Robert B. Kugler and Robert Cindrich about the work of Keep Our Republic and its mission to protect American democracy. They explore how an independent judiciary underpins the Rule of Law and why efforts to intimidate and impeach judges are increasingly threatening constitutional governance. Drawing on their years on the federal bench and their civic education work, Judges Kugler and Cindrich explain what is at stake when judicial legitimacy is undermined, how these attacks erode public trust, and why young lawyers play a critical role in defending the Rule of Law and the system they are inheriting.

Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition is a bipartisan group of more than 50 retired federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties, dedicated to defending judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Through civic education and public engagement, the Article III Coalition helps the public understand the judiciary's essential role in preserving our constitutional republic. Learn more at keepourrepublic.org.