In a major blow to judicial independence, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have formally subordinated Nicaragua’s courts to the National Police, according to a leaked directive requiring police approval for all court-ordered property seizures, evictions, and arrests related to property crimes. This effectively places law enforcement—led by Ortega’s son-in-law—above the judiciary in …
In a landmark move for the legal profession, the Council of Europe has opened for signature the first-ever international treaty dedicated to protecting lawyers: the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. The announcement came during a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg amid rising concerns about threats, harassment, and political interference targeting legal professionals …
The election for president of the D.C. Bar Association—a traditionally administrative position—has become unexpectedly heated, drawing record voter turnout and national attention. Candidates Brad Bondi, a prominent securities lawyer and brother of Trump’s former attorney general, and Diane Seltzer, a small-firm employment lawyer, offer contrasting visions. Seltzer emphasizes defending the rule of law and protecting …
On May 9, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former TV personality and county judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, after withdrawing Ed Martin from consideration. Martin, previously involved in defending January 6 defendants and using his DOJ role to assist them, was reassigned to lead a new …
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a powerful call to action, urging lawyers to defend the legal system amid escalating political attacks on judges and legal institutions. Speaking at an American Bar Association event in Washington, she emphasized the need for “trained and passionate” lawyers to fight for justice and protect those who cannot defend themselves, warning …
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused far-right groups and segments of the judiciary of engaging in “lawfare”—using legal mechanisms to pursue politically motivated cases—against his wife and brother. Both are under investigation for alleged corruption, based on complaints from a group with far-right ties, triggering concerns about judicial politicization. Sánchez’s government has proposed …
More than 150 retired state and federal judges have signed a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and escalating threats against the judiciary. The letter, addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, denounces recent actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate judges who have ruled against the administration. The arrest …
Amid growing political attacks on the judiciary, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered a firm defense of judicial independence, stating that an autonomous judiciary is essential to balance the powers of Congress and the presidency. Speaking in Buffalo at an event marking the 125th anniversary of the federal courts in Western New York, Roberts emphasized …
More than 150 retired state and federal judges have signed a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and escalating threats against the judiciary. The letter, addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, denounces recent actions as deliberate efforts to intimidate judges who have ruled against the administration. The arrest …
Fourteen current and former Mexican federal judges have filed a human rights petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alleging that Mexico’s controversial 2024 judicial reform violated their rights and undermined judicial independence. Filed by the Vance Center for International Justice, the petition highlights how the reform—enacted under former President Andrés Manuel López …