Have We Forgotten Our Civics Lesson?

Responding to unjustified attacks on lawyers and the judiciary is a major priority of State Bar President Kelly Frels. In this editorial, "The Role of the Judiciary: Have we forgotten our civics lesson?" (Published in the Houston Chronicle; http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=15724&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm), Frels defends Texas' judiciary branch of government.

"In times such as these, we should recognize that judges are called upon daily to rule in cases to protect the rights and liberties afforded to all of us by our Constitution and laws." Frels takes a stand for the judges, juries, and the rest of the third branch who seems to go unappreciated in times such as these. Some judges and their families are even being threatened when the defendant or their family and friends don't agree with the decision made by the judge or jury.

Frels gives examples of cases of judges' family's being attacked and even killed. Our democratic system will become ineffective if judges are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting hurt. They should have the confidence to make their decisions following the rules the legislative branch lays down without the chance of negative repercussions. Frels intended audience is everyone, especially people who have feelings of contempt against any members of the judicial branch. Faith in America's democratic system is all that is needed for this country to run smoothly. Without faith and trust the well oiled democratic machine won't function, especially if one of its wheels isn't turning properly.

The theme of this editorial is "Have we forgotten our civics lesson?” Frels stresses the importance for Texans as well as Americans to go back to the basics and make sure we understand why our democratic system works the way it does and what makes it effective. She reminds us that "Legislative bodies make the laws and members of the judiciary apply the laws to the facts before them." It is extremely important that we must affirm and support our judicial branch as an independent third branch of government because it is a critical part of our democratic machine.Write a substantial (250-500 words) critique of an editorial or commentary about Texas state and local government from the opinion/editorial/commentary section.