NYC Bar Association warns of threats to rule of law after Trump’s felony conviction

June 4, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Muhammad Faridi, president of the New York City Bar Association, under whose leadership the association has expressed grave concern over post-Trump-trial rhetoric threatening the rule of law and public safety. Eagle file photo by Robert Abruzzese

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The New York City Bar Association has raised alarms over the recent backlash following the conviction of former President Donald Trump. Concerns have been voiced regarding threats to the rule of law and the undermining of the justice system due to inflammatory rhetoric from the public and certain congressional members.

“These actions pose a very real threat to the rule of law and undermine our system of justice and institutions,” said the association in the statement.

According to the association, the criminal proceedings in New York County against Trump were conducted appropriately. A grand jury indicted Trump based on sufficient evidence, and the trial, presided over by Justice Juan Merchan, included testimony from multiple witnesses. The verdict was reached by a jury of his peers. Trump has indicated plans to appeal, a standard right in the judicial process.

Despite this, there has been a surge in threats against those involved in the trial. Some Trump supporters on social media have called for doxing jurors and even violence against Justice Merchan. Trump has not publicly condemned these threats.

Further complicating the situation are comments from members of Congress. Rep. Jim Jordan summoned Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to testify about the alleged “Weaponization of the Federal Government.” Other lawmakers have echoed Trump’s criticisms, questioning the fairness of the judicial process and the legitimacy of the verdict. Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested that the Supreme Court might intervene to overturn the conviction.

The New York City Bar Association said that such rhetoric can jeopardize the judicial process, which requires prosecutors and judges to operate without intimidation or interference. The association highlights the necessity of holding prosecutors accountable while maintaining that threats and undue criticism undermine the rule of law.

“Such statements risk interfering with and compromising a legitimate judicial process,” the association warned. The association stressed that prosecutors and judges must be able to perform their duties without intimidation or interference. While accountability is necessary, the current rhetoric is deemed dangerous and counterproductive.

“The former president is being afforded all the benefits of due process that any person accused and convicted of a crime is entitled to. Each step that led to the former president’s guilty verdict embodies the highest ideals of the American justice system: no person — not even a former president — is above the law,” the statement continued.

The New York City Bar Association urged Congress to respect the judicial process and refrain from rhetoric that undermines legal institutions and their legitimacy.