Members of the bench and bar should applaud a recent website message from the leaders of the Connecticut Bar Association. Its modest purpose was to object to “unsubstantiated and reckless” claims attacking the integrity of our judicial system.

It’s hard to believe anyone would condemn their declaration. Should we praise “unsubstantiated and reckless” claims attacking the integrity of our judicial system? The most the letter urged lawyers to do was to “defend the courts and our judges” and to not let dangerous rhetoric “dismantle the third branch of government.” It was hardly daring. It threatened no one with discipline. It advocated no mandate. It merely urged lawyers to stand up for the rule of law. How tame. Yet some would criticize them.