For Immediate Release
May 8, 2014
Kate Coscarelli
Sr. Managing Director, Communications
732-937-7548
NEW BRUNSWICK – Speaking with a unified voice to preserve an independent judicial branch, the New Jersey State Bar Association and all 21 county bar associations have adopted resolutions calling for judges and justices to be evaluated based solely on their demonstrated legal knowledge and temperament, and without regard to political and philosophical differences.
New Jersey State Bar Association President Ralph J. Lamparello wrote to Governor Chris Christie urging him to reappoint Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
Here is the text of NJSBA President Ralph’s Lamparello letter:
Dear Governor Christie:
I write to you today with the support of the more than 18,000 members of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the thousands of attorneys represented by the 21 county bar associations to urge you to reappoint our Chief Justice, the Honorable Stuart Rabner.
To that end, we enclose resolutions from the New Jersey State Bar Association and every county bar association. Although they may use different words, each of these resolutions, adopted over the course of the past three months, stand firm on the singular importance of judicial independence in our society and on the reappointment of Chief Justice Rabner.
A short seven years ago, you bravely stood up for Stuart Rabner and proclaimed your belief in his integrity, intellect, sound character and his fitness to lead the Judiciary of our great state. Your willingness to stand up then, ignoring political calculations, and stay “enough is enough” was admired by many, including me.
With less than 60 days before the end of Chief Justice Rabner’s initial seven-year term, the organized bar, in an unprecedented action, collectively joins together to support his reappointment. On behalf of all the lawyers represented by the New Jersey State Bar Association and the 21 county bar associations in New Jersey, I implore you to reappoint Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
Most respectfully,
Ralph J. Lamparello
President