Linn County legal professions ask community to support judicial independence

CEDAR RAPIDS — The lawyers and judges of the 6th Judicial District are joining bar associations across the country Thursday afternoon for the National Law Day of Action to show their support for judicial independence and the rule of law, and want community members to join them.

The Linn County Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Association honor and celebrate Law Day — which has been recognized since 1958 — each year on May 1. This year, the day will promote judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession, said Stephanie Hinz, a Cedar Rapids lawyer and vice president of the state bar, Lawyers from across the district will reaffirm their Attorney’s Oath on the steps of the Linn County Courthouse.

“The oath is foundational to our profession,” said Hinz, who is organizing the event in Linn County. “We will reaffirm our oath — our vows to the public to uphold the rule of law and uphold judicial independence.”

Iowa Supreme Court Justice Dana Oxley, who previously practiced law and lives in Cedar Rapids, will administer the oath, which all lawyers pledge when they are admitted to the bar.

Hinz hopes a large majority of legal professionals will attend the event. She pointed out there are over 850 active licensed lawyers in the 6th District, according to the Iowa Judicial Branch. She also invited friends, family and community supporters to join them.

Similar events will be happening across the country Thursday to support judicial independence. The National Law Day of Action states that “political pressure on legal professionals and a growing distrust of the legal system threaten the very foundation of fairness and equal justice.”

The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Thursday on the steps of the Linn County Courthouse, 51 Third Ave. bridge in Cedar Rapids.

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