Former Arizona Supreme Court chief justice part of new group advocating for fair, impartial courts

December 16, 2025 | Mark Brodie | KJZZ

A group of former state supreme court justices from around the country has formed a new organization aimed at educating the public about the importance of having fair and impartial courts.

The Alliance of Former Chief Justices launched Monday, which was also Bill of Rights Day. Scott Bales, a former chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, said that’s not a coincidence.

Bales said an impartial court system is important to upholding basic constitutional liberties. He also said the new alliance is a diverse one — made up of former chief justices picked from a variety of selection processes with different political beliefs.

Bales spoke on The Show about the timing of the announcement of the new group — with criticism of judges over their rulings on the rise, along with threats against them. . . .