A Nonpartisan Civic Education Initiative
Article III Coalition
Supporting, Preserving, and Defending Judicial Independence
The Article III Coalition (A3C) is a nonpartisan civic education initiative of Keep Our Republic composed of retired federal district and circuit court judges. Together, Article III Coalition members work to support, preserve, and defend judicial independence as the foundation of the rule of law and American democracy. Although the Article III Coalition does not engage in lobbying, it seeks to educate the public, policymakers, and journalists about the essential role of an independent judiciary and the constitutional principles that protect it.
Who We Are
Why the Article III Coalition Exists
Federal judges are expected to speak primarily through their opinions and rulings. As a result, sitting judges are often unable to publicly respond to misinformation, personal attacks, or political criticism directed at the judiciary.
Retired judges are no longer bound by those same limitations. Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition brings together former federal judges from across the country who have chosen to speak publicly in defense of judicial independence, the rule of law, and the constitutional separation of powers.
Our members were appointed by presidents of both political parties and represent diverse backgrounds and judicial experience. They are united by a shared commitment to ensuring that courts remain independent, impartial, and free from political influence.
Our Mission
Protecting Judicial Independence
Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition serves as a trusted source of civic education about the judiciary and the constitutional role of the courts. Through public statements, educational events, media appearances, and published resources, members work to strengthen public understanding of why judicial independence matters.
We believe that judges must be free to decide cases based solely on the Constitution, the law, and the facts—without fear of political retaliation, intimidation, or personal threats. Maintaining an independent judiciary preserves the constitutional checks and balances that safeguard American democracy.
Statements and Resources
An Open Letter from America’s Former Federal Judges
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, former federal judges call on their colleagues and fellow citizens to defend judicial independence, strengthen the rule of law, and inspire an informed citizenry committed to preserving American democracy.
Constitution Day Letter
Former federal judges call on Americans to defend judicial independence and uphold the Constitution. The letter explains why retired judges are speaking out to protect the rule of law and strengthen public understanding of the judiciary’s essential role in our democracy.
A3C Mission Statement
A3C Constitution Day Press Release
Principles of Independent Judicial Administration
Threats to Judicial Independence & Safety Paper
Judicial Impeachment
The Democratic Process Does Not Include “A War” on Judges
DOJ’s Proposal to Regulate State Bar Complaints Against DOJ Attorneys is Flawed
Article III Coalition Statement on Naturalized Citizens as Federal Judges
Recent Events
Public Appearances
Article III Coalition members regularly participate in conferences, panel discussions, educational programs, media interviews, and civic forums across the country. Here is but a small sampling of these events:
September 17, 2025
On Constitution Day in Savannah, GA, Judges Gilmore, Martin and Ungaro joined community members viewing an original copy of the Constitution followed by a large evening town hall.
November 14, 2025
National Association of Manufacturers: Judges Cindrich, Duncan & Michel presented to NAM’s 2025 Legal Summit in DC entitled “Judicial Independence, Democracy & the Economy: A Breakfast Panel Discussion”.
November 18, 2025
L Suite: Judges Cindrich, Kugler & Bissell participated in a Panel, “A Non-Partisan Inquiry into the Federal Judiciary: Implications for Business Leaders,” at L Suite’s 2025 Senior General Counsel Summit in NYC.
February 5, 2026
The Wall Street Journal CEO Council sat down with Judges Cindrich, Duncan and Michel for a discussion entitled “Federal Judges Under Fire: Inside the Fight to Protect the Rule of Law”.
February 26, 2026
Coinciding with Black History Month in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Judges Donald, Duncan, Fogel and Giles held an evening community wide discussion entitled Justice in the Balance: The Courts, Civil Rights and our Democracy.
A3C In the news
News Features
Explore news coverage, interviews, commentary, and reporting featuring the Article III Coalition and its members.
Justice in Motion tour makes stop in Grosse Pointe Farms
July 14, 2026 | K. Michelle Moran | Grosse Pointe News The “Justice in Motion” tour concluded its Midwest circuit with a final stop…
A road trip to save democracy? These judges say it's worth a shot
July 11, 2026 | Sarah D. Wire | USA Today A bipartisan group of retired state and federal judges embarked on the “Justice in…
Former federal judge speaks out about separation of powers concerns. And, what constitutes a constitutional crisis?
April 14, 2026 | Jeff Tiberii | WUNC News Retired federal Judge Allyson K. Duncan joined NPR’s “Due South” to discuss mounting challenges to…
Are US courts losing their independence? Judges make their case.
February 26, 2026 | Christopher Blank | WKNO 91.1 The most famous panel of judges in the United States is, of course, the Supreme…
Meet the Article III Coalition
Article III Coalition Members
The Article III Coalition is composed of retired federal district and circuit court judges appointed by presidents of both political parties. Collectively, Article III Coalition members bring centuries of judicial experience and a shared commitment to preserving judicial independence and the rule of law.
