Reflecting on the Rule of Law
Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.
In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of a former U.S. president and current presidential candidate, the expressions of shock and disbelief reverberated throughout our nation. Echoes of similar violent incidents resurfaced. I recall exactly where I was when President Reagan was shot more than 43 years ago. Such heinous acts strike at the heart of our democratic values and remind us, starkly, of the fragile nature of civil discourse in our society.
In South Florida, a region enriched by the diversity of its people, we especially tend to hold precious the rule of law. Many of us, like my own family, fled regimes where might determined right and dissent was met with brutality. We know firsthand the cost of living in fear and the desperate yearning for a society governed by principles, not by the whims of the powerful.
It is in this context that I reflect on the role of lawyers and legal professionals in our society. As guardians of justice and stewards of the law, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for civility, tolerating different viewpoints, respectful discourse (to wit, agree to disagree), exercising the right to vote, and to reinforce the fundamental principles upon which our great nation was founded.
One of the most important principles is tolerance. Tolerance does not require agreement; rather, it demands respect for differing viewpoints and a commitment to engage in meaningful dialogue. While that dialogue may not result in the changing of an opinion, it has been my experience that the outcome always results in greater understanding. And understanding connects us all.
In the courtroom, adversaries want to resolve conflicts and, as lawyers, we are trained to analyze issues critically and to advocate ardently for our clients. We must dedicate ourselves to the supreme ideals of professionalism and should be determined to encompass in our mannerisms and behavior the importance of civility in all that we do. We also have a duty to uphold the integrity of our legal system and to promote justice for all.
This duty extends beyond the courtroom; it encompasses our interactions with colleagues, adversaries, and the public we serve. We must lead by example, demonstrating that reasoned debate and civility can coexist even in the most contentious environments. In today’s world, that obligation can be our greatest and most fundamental contribution to our society.
July’s tragic event in Pennsylvania is a wake-up call for all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and to reject the politics of fear and intimidation. Our nation’s strength lies not in its uniformity of thought, but in its diversity of perspectives.
In my own journey, shaped by my family’s experience in fleeing communist Cuba, I have a firsthand understanding of the corrosive effects of authoritarianism and intolerance. I am profoundly grateful to live in a country where freedom of speech is enshrined in our Constitution and where the rule of law serves as a bulwark against tyranny.
It is incumbent upon all of us, as legal professionals, to safeguard these principles and to defend them in our communities. We must strive to seek common ground wherever possible. As lawyers, we can elevate the discourse and focus on substantive issues that affect the lives of all Americans. We can engage with patience, empathy, and understanding, recognizing that behind every opinion is a person with hopes, fears, and aspirations for a better future.
As president of The Florida Bar, I am committed to promoting these values within our legal community and beyond. As lawyers, we can contribute to positive change in our communities, and embody the best principles in our society.
Let us heed the lessons of history and reaffirm our commitment to the values that define us as a nation. Let us embrace dialogue over violence. Let us celebrate our differences as strengths rather than sources of division. And let us, as lawyers, fulfill our duty to uphold the rule of law and to ensure justice prevails.
