The American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy has recommended that every U.S. state expand lawyer oaths to include a commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law. The proposal comes amid declining public trust in government and legal institutions, after a two-year bipartisan review led by former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and former federal judge J. Michael Luttig.
Beyond attorney oaths, the task force put forward broader reforms: stronger civics education, non-partisan primaries, ranked-choice voting, and independent redistricting commissions. These changes, the report argues, are essential to restoring confidence in elections and democratic governance.
Although the ABA cannot directly set policy, it represents 170,000 members and wields influence in shaping the profession. The task force stressed that America’s 1.3 million lawyers carry a unique responsibility to reinforce the rule of law, ensure fair elections, and safeguard democratic institutions.
“Elected officials are pandering to distrust,” Johnson said. “The voters should pick their elected officials, not the other way around.”