Why Hundreds of Legal Professionals Are Speaking Out
On a sunny spring afternoon, Foley Square in Lower Manhattan was filled—not with protestors for a political cause, but with lawyers in black suits and white signs. So, what brought them out into the streets?
Turns out, it was something bigger than a single person or even a single court case. It was about protecting something much more important: the rule of law.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what this rally was all about, why it matters to you, and what it could mean for the future.
What Is the Rule of Law, Anyway?
Before we dive into the rally itself, let’s clear up an important question:
What does “rule of law” even mean?
Imagine you’re playing a game, and everyone has to follow the same rules. No one is above the game—not even the referee. That’s basically the idea of the rule of law.
It means:
- No one—no matter how powerful—is above the law.
- Everyone is treated equally by the legal system.
- The courts work independently, free from political pressure.
Pretty important, right?
Why Were Lawyers Rallying in New York City?
The rally in Foley Square came just as former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial was picking up steam. But here’s the thing—this wasn’t a political rally. It wasn’t about being for or against anyone.
Instead, it was about defending the integrity of the court system and making sure that no outside voices—especially powerful political ones—get to twist or challenge judicial decisions based on personal opinion.
One sign read: “Hands off the courts.” That pretty much sums it up.
Standing Up for Democracy
Attorney Christina Swarns, one of the speakers at the event, reminded everyone that the justice system belongs to all of us.
“The court system is the guardian of justice in our democracy,” she said. “We all have to protect it.”
Let’s think about that. Imagine if judges started making decisions based on fear of public backlash. Or if courtroom rulings changed because of tweets or media noise rather than evidence and legal reasoning.
That’s what these lawyers were worried about—and that’s why they showed up.
Who Was at the Rally?
The event drew a broad mix of people from the legal world, including:
- Public defenders
- Civil rights attorneys
- Judicial advocates
- Law students
These were folks who usually argue against each other in court. But here, their message was united: Respect the law. Respect the courts.
One lawyer even held a homemade sign that said: “We defend the Constitution—do you?”
Was This Really About Trump?
A lot of people might see this and wonder if it was just anti-Trump protest in disguise. That’s understandable given the timing.
But here’s the truth:
This wasn’t about Trump. It was about justice.
Sure, the rally happened during Trump’s hush-money trial in Manhattan. Some speakers did mention his past comments attacking judges and prosecutors. But the bigger issue was the message those kinds of attacks send to the public.
When powerful leaders cast doubt on the courts, people start to lose trust in the justice system. And without trust, the whole thing starts to crack.
Why Should This Matter to You?
Maybe you’re thinking: “Okay, but I’m not a lawyer. Why should I care?”
Fair question. Here’s why:
The rule of law is what keeps society fair and stable. Without it, there’s no guarantee you’ll be treated justly if you ever go to court, face a legal issue, or even try to defend your rights.
Let’s break it down:
- Ever been in a dispute at work? The legal system protects you.
- Ever needed protection from unfair treatment? That’s what courts are for.
- Ever paid taxes or driven on roads? Those systems rely on consistent legal enforcement, too.
Whether we notice it or not, the rule of law shows up in our daily lives—from how we vote to how we live with our neighbors.
Protecting the Courts Means Protecting Our Future
In today’s world, it’s easy to scroll past headlines and think, “That’s someone else’s problem.”
But events like the Foley Square rally remind us that democracy is not a spectator sport.
It’s something we all have to participate in—even if that just means staying informed.
And while not all of us are lawyers or judges, we all rely on courts to function fairly. Think of the justice system as the foundation of a house. If that foundation starts to fail, the whole structure becomes shaky.
Everyday People Can Make a Difference
You might be wondering what the average person can do to help defend the rule of law. Here are a few small but powerful actions:
- Stay informed about judicial processes and how courts work.
- Call out misinformation when you see it—especially online.
- Vote in every election, especially for positions like judges, district attorneys, and local officials.
- Encourage respect for legal decisions, even if you don’t agree with every verdict.
Sometimes, just talking about these issues with friends or family can spark important conversations.
Final Thoughts: Why This Moment Matters
The lawyers in Foley Square weren’t just holding signs—they were holding up our democracy.
They reminded us of something important: Trust in the justice system isn’t automatic—it has to be earned and protected.
And in times when powerful voices try to undermine that trust, it’s up to all of us—lawyers, voters, and everyday people—to say: “No. This matters.”
So the next time you pass by a courthouse or read about a judge’s decision, remember those attorneys rallying in their suits. They weren’t just fighting for legal principles—they were fighting for all of us.