Rule of Law Statement 1.13.21

The Alameda County Bar Association condemns in the strongest terms the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 by protesters during the process to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris. The violence was not free speech; it was criminal conduct, and should be prosecuted.  We call on President Donald Trump and all other leaders to condemn this violence immediately, demand that it stop, and protect the safety and lives of those inside the Capitol. President Trump has a duty to restore and protect the rule of law.

Dozens of lawsuits challenging the election results were carefully considered by courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and rejected. Despite thorough and transparent investigation, no evidence of any significant fraud was found. Continued efforts to allege election fraud without evidence, and to incite violence as a result, is directly in contravention to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. 

The peaceful transition of power from one elected president to the next is a revered American tradition going back more than two centuries and serves as a model to the rest of the world. All elected officials and others in positions of civic responsibility must now uphold their oath to defend the Constitution, support a peaceful transition of power, and thereby protect the rule of law.