No

Recently judges in Cook County Illinois received letters from an organization with an ultraistic sounding name. Inside the envelope was a letter explaining the purpose of the letter and the goals of the organization. Also in the envelope was a draft of a pledge for the judges to sign showing their commitment to rule in accordance with the organization’s purpose. The pledge wasn’t to follow the law but to rule in furtherance of the group’s agenda. It was reminiscent of Grover Norquist and his “Taxpayer Protection Pledge.” While Norquist targets legislators to sign his pledge to adhere to his vision of tax laws, the letters the judges received fall into a darker and unethical area. Judges cannot prejudge issues that may come before them. Also, this organization is a partisan group pushing a social agenda while trying to enlist members of the judiciary to “their side.” If the group thought it through, any judge signing such a pledge would have to recuse themselves from any case before them where the issue was in controversy. Any judge signing a pledge demonstrating a predisposition on an issue that may appear before them would most likely face an ethical inquiry. This attempted intrusion into our independent judiciary is improper. Few appellate and supreme court cases are decided by a unanimous decision. In this case, the response of the judges should be unanimous. Just say no.