Since 1789, the country’s judicial system has proven to be remarkably resilient. In large part, that has been the case because of well-earned respect for the legions of federal and state judges who have conscientiously performed their duties with a profound appreciation for the rule of law and the deliberately designed independence of the judiciary.

Former Chief Justice William Rehnquist, appointed by Republican President Richard Nixon, in remarks he made in 1996 at American University Washington College of Law felicitously called the independent judiciary “one of the crown jewels of our system of government today.” The chief justice’s observation remains true today.