Your Ethical Duty to Defend the Judiciary and Promote Civility

Overview

When judicial independence is threatened, it affects not just judges, but all of us. For our constitutional democracy to function, it must have independent judges who can rule on cases without fear or favor.

In part 1 of this program, U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm (ret.) lays out recent attacks on the judiciary and the rule of law.

In part 2, Scott Atherton talks about Florida ethics rules and decisions including the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar and the Florida Bar Oath of Admission, which contain several provisions that impose ethical obligation of lawyers to defend judges.

In part 3, U.S. District Judges Beth Bloom and Robin L. Rosenberg talk about ways lawyers can help defend our judges, our courts and the rule of law.

See all Center for Professionalism CLE

Presented by

The Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and produced by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School with support from Scott Atherton, Atherton Galardi Mullen & Reeder PLLC.

CLE Information

• Course number: 2606357N
• Credit: Approved for 0.5 hour Ethics credit.
• Approval period: 07/01/2026–01/31/2028

Continuing legal education programs presented by The Florida Bar and the various sections, divisions, and committees of The Florida Bar are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace professional judgment. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the presenters individually and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion of The Florida Bar or its sections, divisions or committees. The Florida Bar does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy, or completeness of the information presented.