RESOLUTION Whereas, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers is International, both in name and in spirit. The motto on our seal is “SALUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX ESTO” – “The welfare of the people must be the supreme law.” We believe that the wealth of the nation is in its people, and we believe with Jefferson that all the people are endowed with unalienable individual rights. We believe that the highest duty of an advocate is to preserve and protect those rights, and we seek companions in every land to enlist in that eternal quest.
Whereas, the Academy cooperates with other institutions which share the ideal of worldwide protection of human rights through enforceable legal systems.
Whereas, the Academy believes an independent judicial system is essential to the rule of law.
Whereas, Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) has recently enacted legislation that will have the effect of forcing approximately 40% of the members of the Polish Supreme Court into retirement in July of 2018 unless the President decides, at his sole discretion, to extend their service.
Whereas, the governing party in Poland has also altered the National Judicial Council (“NJC”), the body charged with nominating qualified Supreme Court judges for appointment by the President.
Whereas, the European Union has expressed the concern that the PiS is trying, through the introduction of the above-referenced legislation and otherwise, to control Poland’s judiciary and subvert democratic standards.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that:
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers shares the views expressed by the European Union and expresses its grave concern about the legislative initiatives in Poland that undermine the independence of the judiciary and permit the governing party to exercise control over the Polish judiciary.
Approved this 19th day of July, 2018 by the Board of Directors.