Rule of Law

• Laws protect fundamental rights including life, liberty and property.

• Laws should be public, clear, fair and stable.

• Laws should be enacted and applied openly, fairly and consistently.

• Everyone – including the government and its officials – should honor and be accountable under the law.

The Constitution

• The Constitution is our supreme law.

• The Framers of the Constitution created our government as a system of checks and balances – granting separate and limited powers to legislative, executive and judicial branches – to protect the rights of all people and the common good.

• Courts are faithful to the Constitution and, when called upon, resolve disputes regarding the meaning of the Constitution and the laws.

• Under our system of checks and balances, we need courts to resolve disputes about laws enacted by legislature and actions taken by executive branch.

Fair and Impartial

• Courts are accountable to the Constitution and the written law, not personal or political preferences.

• Courts provide a level playing field through impartial judges who treat everyone equally.

• Courts require competent, professional and ethical judges, attorneys and court staff.

Liberty

• Courts guard individual constitutional rights that give us freedom from unreasonable governmental interference in our lives.

• Courts provide fair trials for persons accused of breaking the law, decide innocence or guilt, and determine how guilty persons are punished.

Justice

• Courts provide a safe forum where all parties can be heard and conflicts are resolved.

• Courts treat people fairly and consistently by following established rules and procedures.

Open to All

• Courts ensure access to justice for all, regardless of background, wealth, power or ideology.

• Courts consist of judges who come from a variety of demographic backgrounds.

• Courts need adequate resources to ensure access to justice for all.