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As the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary, even as angst and political division shake confidence in our political system, it’s worth appreciating one anchor of our American democracy that’s allowed us to thrive. It’s largely taken for granted: Judicial independence.

The bigger the challenge, the harder it is to know where to start. We in the trial courts are the only representatives of the justice system that most people are ever likely to see up close. As such, we have a unique challenge – and a unique opportunity – to serve as ambassadors for the rule of law.

When we hear lofty words like ‘judicial independence,” “separation of powers,” “judicial review,” and “the rule of law,” it’s usually referring to stuff going on in Washington, D.C., and it’s not always clear how such concepts impact our day-to-day lives. But the reality is that these principles play out daily in our local courts in ways that impact us directly.

When we hear lofty terms like 'judicial independence," "separation of powers," "judicial review," and "the rule of law" it's not always...

The Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence emphatically condemns all threats against and intimidation of judges.

“The role the court system plays in the lives of Pennsylvanians is profound, yet far too often there is little to no public discourse to further the understanding of the breadth and depth of our connection,” Chief Justice Todd said. “We welcome our newest commission members and look forward to the positive impact their collective advocacy, education and civil engagement efforts will have on families and their children.”