Communications
Statement by the Federal Bar Association-Los Angeles Chapter Condemning Attacks on Members of The Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Tuesday, March 30, 2021The Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA-LA) joins with the Los Angeles and San Diego United States Attorneys and their FBI Special Agents in Charge to condemn hate crimes and racism targeting members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community.
There has been a marked increase in attacks against members of the AAPI community since the onset of the global pandemic. The most recent events, including beatings around the country and the shooting tragedy that unfolded in Atlanta, are reflective of a dangerous undercurrent of anti-Asian sentiment. These repugnant acts have targeted members of our community because of their race. This is wrong.
Unfortunately, there is a history of racist discrimination against Asians in this country. The latest acts of violence against the AAPI community did not occur in isolation or without larger historical and social contexts of invidious discrimination under color of federal and state laws. The upholding of the Chinese Exclusion Act by the United States Supreme Court in the 19th century and the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II are but two examples. It is important that we not only prevent physical violence, but that we stay vigilant and counteract racial discrimination in any form.
Los Angeles County is home to one of the nation's largest Asian populations, many of whom serve our country, serve as healthcare providers and front-line workers who risk their own well-being to care for others, and serve our collective interest in many ways. Our communities are enriched by the diversity of the AAPI community and their rich traditions and perspectives. The Federal Bar Association-Los Angeles Chapter remains committed to upholding the legal rights of AAPI persons and others, and ensuring that each person can live freely and without fear or discrimination.
The Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association issues this statement in its name only and not that of the Federal Bar Association, any judicial member of the Association, or any other member of the Association for whom participation in the formulation of the position would conflict with that member's official or other professional responsibilities.
This statement was authorized by the attorneys serving on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Members of the Judiciary and employees of the US Government, including the US Attorney's Office and Federal Public Defender's office who serve on the Board did not participate in the decision to issue this statement. The FBA LA Chapter seeks to promote the sound administration of justice and the integrity, quality and independence of the federal judiciary.
Statement on Judicial Independence issued by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association – October 29, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019Recently, the White House issued a statement that publicly attacked judges for opinions issued in pending cases by United States District Court Judges, including judges in the Central District of California. We urge everyone to remember that the Judiciary is a co-equal and independent branch of government established by the Constitution. Regardless of one's political affiliation or beliefs, or disagreement on law and policy, we should all respect the importance of an independent Judiciary in applying the law and protecting rights under the Constitution, as a check and balance on the activity of the Executive and Legislative branches.
The Board of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association reiterates the critical importance of judicial independence and acknowledges the hard work of the federal judiciary. As the Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association's national organization stated in February 2017:
Judicial independence, free of external pressure or political intimidation, lies at the foundation of our constitutional democracy. An independent judiciary needs to remain free of undue influence from the legislative and executive branches and to remain beholden only to the maintenance of the rule of law and the protection of individual rights and personal liberties. We affirm the right to challenge a judge's ruling for reasons based in fact, law or policy. However, when robust criticism of the federal judiciary crosses into personal attacks or intimidation, it threatens to undermine public confidence in the fairness of our courts, the constitutional checks and balances underlying our government and the preservation of liberty.
The Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association stands by these fundamental principles of our democracy and urges civility and professionalism in discourse surrounding the independence, legitimacy and important work of the federal judiciary.
*The Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association issues this statement in its name only and not that of the national Federal Bar Association, any judicial member of the Association, or any other member of the Association for whom participation in the formulation of the position would conflict with that member's official or other professional responsibilities.
This statement was authorized by the attorneys serving on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Members of the Judiciary and employees of the US Government, including the US Attorney's Office and Federal Public Defender's office who serve on the Board did not participate in the decision to issue this statement. The FBA LA Chapter seeks to promote the sound administration of justice and the integrity, quality and independence of the federal judiciary.