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.
The Trump Administration Must Immediately Resume Processing New DACA Applications
As the Supreme Court’s decision goes into effect, the Trump administration must now allow 300,000 young people to file new applications for DACA, including 55,500 of the youngest DACA-eligible individuals who did not previously have the chance to apply.
The Startling Lack of Professional Diversity Among Federal Judges
Policymakers must prioritize placing public defenders, civil rights attorneys, workers’ rights attorneys, and legal aid attorneys on the federal courts.
Attorney General William Barr Is Willing to Destroy the Rule of Law for the Trump Administration
The degradation of the Department of Justice is accelerating amidst the coronavirus pandemic, with dangerous implications for what the administration may be willing to do in the months to come.
The Pressing Need To Support Courts During the Coronavirus Crisis
It is imperative that the Trump administration work with Congress to ensure that court systems across the country continue to function in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
Trump and McConnell’s Political Judges in Wake of Impeachment
Post-impeachment, President Trump and his Senate allies continue to corrupt American democracy by supporting ideological extremists who are opposed to core voting rights.
Chief Justice Roberts and the Legitimacy of the Judiciary
As the Trump administration ramps up its attacks on the judiciary, this year’s Supreme Court docket has the potential to define the legacy of the Roberts court.
