In an era of war, division and political fury, judges warn the rule of law is under strain
By Tri State Defender
March 5, 2026 | Lee Eric Smith | Tri State Defender
Inside the Ford Theatre at the National Civil Rights Museum, four retired federal judges gathered Thursday, Feb. 26 to remind an audience that during the Civil Rights era, it wasn’t only marchers and ministers who faced danger.
Judges did, too.
“These were people who literally put their lives on the line to support the rule of law,” said Hon. Jeremy D. Fogel, recalling federal jurists who issued desegregation rulings and endured ostracism, threats and violence.
The forum — “Justice in Balance: The Courts, Civil Rights, and Our Democracy” — was hosted by the museum in partnership with Keep Our Republic and livestreamed nationally. . . .