WASHINGTON, D.C. – the American Constitution Society (ACS) issued a statement today urging courts and lawyers to resist politically driven prosecutions, specifically in light of reports that former FBI Director James Comey may face criminal charges. The association argues that pursuing such cases would fundamentally undermine the independence of the Department of Justice and erode public trust in the legal system.
ACS contends that public calls from former President Trump for the DOJ to target political opponents, coupled with the dismissal of prosecutors who resisted politically motivated indictments, represent a dangerous departure from the rule of law.The organization asserts that these actions delegitimize the criminal legal system and necessitate a strong response from the legal community.
“Acceding to the demands of the President to pursue a politically motivated prosecution is a death knell for the Department of JusticeS prosecutorial independence, which is central to a stable and nominally fair criminal legal system,” the statement reads. “Trump publicly calling on DOJ to pursue politically motivated prosecutions and firing prosecutors for a refusal to indict without evidence fatally delegitimizes that system.”
The ACS further stated that president Trump’s requests for the DOJ to pursue prosecutions against political adversaries,including those related to his impeachments,would themselves constitute impeachable offenses. With Congress potentially unwilling to act, the organization emphasized the critical role of courts and lawyers in upholding legal and ethical standards.
Founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the American Constitution Society advocates for laws and legal systems that promote equality, strengthen democratic legitimacy, and uphold the rule of law. More information is available at www.acslaw.org.
