City Bar Association president calls for action to defend democracy amid growing threats

August 16, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Muhammad Faridi, president of the New York City Bar Association, calls on legal professionals to defend democratic institutions amid growing threats. Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

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Muhammad Faridi, president of the New York City Bar Association, has issued a call to action urging legal professionals to take a stand against rising threats to democratic institutions.

In a statement released Thursday, Faridi highlighted the dangers posed by the spread of misinformation, declining public trust in the electoral system, and threats of violence against public officials.

“Our nation is now confronted with grave threats to the rule of law,” Faridi said. He warned that these challenges are undermining the foundations of democracy and called on lawyers, who are “uniquely qualified” and “duty bound,” to play an active role in safeguarding democratic institutions.

“Every contribution matters, whether it is by volunteering our time, educating others, or involving ourselves in the political process,” Faridi said.

Jeh Johnson, former secretary of homeland security, co-leads the ABA's Task Force for American Democracy, which aims to protect election integrity and restore public trust. Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese — Jeh Johnson, former secretary of homeland security, co-leads the ABA’s Task Force for American Democracy, which aims to protect election integrity and restore public trust. Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

This call comes on the heels of a recent statement by the American Bar Association (ABA), which announced the formation of the Task Force for American Democracy. The Task Force, led by former Federal Judge J. Michael Luttig and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, aims to combat misinformation, protect election integrity, and restore public trust in legal and political institutions.

The New York City Bar Association has expressed full support for the ABA’s initiative. Faridi noted that more than 1,000 legal professionals have already signed the City Bar’s pledge on voting and the rule of law. The association has also been active in educational initiatives, offering webinars with experts in election law and providing resources for those interested in election protection and volunteer opportunities.

To further support these efforts, the City Bar has made a range of resources available, including its “Election Protection Opportunities for Lawyers” webpage and recordings of past webinars. Faridi encouraged legal professionals to get involved by becoming poll workers, offering educational presentations, and working with local election boards to ensure election integrity.

“Threats to our democratic values may be prevalent, but we must not lose sight of our capacity to make a difference,” Faridi said. “The City Bar encourages each of you to be proactive, to stand up for the rule of law, and to join the efforts of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy in preserving American democracy for generations to come.”