The Courts and Legal Policy team works to advance reforms to make America’s legal system more accessible and just for ordinary people.
A courtroom in Ohio. (Getty/Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge)
What We're Doing
Ensure America's judges reflect its diversity
Despite recent and historic gains, America’s federal judges remain overwhelmingly white and male, and the bench is stacked with those from corporate law backgrounds and former federal prosecutors. Appointing diverse nominees with diverse backgrounds is essential to strengthening the courts.
Modernize the federal bench at all levels
From significant expansion of the lower courts to instituting term limits for Supreme Court justices, it is critical to enact reforms that will ensure that the size of the judiciary and the makeup of the Supreme Court reflect the needs of the American people and the realities of modern life.
Advance access to justice for all people
Too often, justice in America’s courtrooms is only accessible to those with means and in power. The need to expand access to justice has only become more pressing as COVID-19 has exacerbated long-standing legal inequities. All people, regardless of income or status, deserve high-quality legal help.
As litigation continues over efforts to address climate change, it is critical that America’s federal courts include judges with professional expertise advancing climate protection policies.
The Trump Administration’s Family Separation Policy Is Over
Individual and collective accountability for the family separation policy is needed to hold individuals responsible, restore faith in government institutions, prevent further abuses, and provide appropriate redress.
Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained
Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.
The case for disbarring Rudy Giuliani, other Trump lawyers—and even some lawmakers
Author Maggie Jo Buchanan makes the case for disbarring Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's lawyers, and lawmakers who were complicit in the former president's efforts to overturn the election, arguing that professional repercussions are necessary in order for the legal profession's codes of conduct to have any meaning.
Promoting Accountability: State and Federal Officials Shouldn’t Be Above the Law
Policymakers must ensure that state and federal officials can be held accountable in court when they violate the law and harm those they are supposed to protect.
