Contact: Michelle Widmann
American Association for Justice
202-965-3500 x8369
AAJ Press Room
AAJ Statement on National Law Day
If our justice system weakens, so does our democracy
Washington, DC —The following is a statement from American Association for Justice (AAJ) President Gary M. Paul in honor of National Law Day:
“As Americans we value our freedom, the rights guaranteed to us through our Constitution, and our ability to seek justice. For more than 200 years our court system has served us well by providing an open place where everyone has a fair chance to be heard and seek justice. Law Day reminds us that freedom is not free, and neither is justice.
“Today our justice system is in severe jeopardy. Across the United States, court underfunding is causing a crisis. Courthouses have been forced to close their doors in order to meet budgetary shortfalls and Americans’ basic access to justice has been delayed and limited. Unless action is taken, we stand in danger of losing the branch of government that ensures our rights and freedoms are protected.
“The strength of our justice system is dependent on a stable and objective judiciary. If our justice system weakens, so does our democracy. We must preserve and protect our justice system so when Americans seek answers from the courts, the doors will be open.”
