In the past, many funders considered state courts to be a remote concern, and often mysterious and impenetrable. However, as many learned after the 2020 elections and are learning post-Dobbs, state courts are where democracy and rights could live or die. In fact, 95% of court decisions in the United States happen in state courts. Recognizing their importance, for years extremist forces have worked to bend them to their will. What are these common and new attacks against judicial independence in state courts? Who are the special interests behind the attacks? And who are the under resourced heroes successfully fighting back against those attacks against all odds?
Speakers
Alicia Bannon, Director, Judiciary Program, Brennan Center for Justice
Lisa Graves, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief, True North Research
Kadida Kenner, Chief Executive Officer, New Pennsylvania Project