The Decalogue Society of Lawyers condemns the President’s decision to send Texas National Guard troops to Chicago. Such deployment was not requested, nor approved, by the Governor of the State of Illinois, nor is there any emergency or otherwise exigent circumstances justifying it under applicable law.
The Framers of the Constitution instituted a system of checks and balances, including the principles of Federalism, to limit the authority of institutions and to prevent any one person from accumulating too much power. In the nearly 250 years of our Republic, it has often been the restraint on power that has defined our constitutional democracy, including respect for state sovereignty, contrary to the actions taken here. Equally concerning, history has also shown the dangers that arise from using the military for police functions, or otherwise politicizing its members and resources, including the erosion of civilian rights and liberties, loss of public trust, and undermining of military readiness to perform its ordinary duties.
While a fair debate may be had as to acceptable levels of crime and steps to address it — the purported justification for the deployment here — such concerns should be addressed through the proper authorities and do not justify executive overreach. We advocate for respect for constitutional checks and balances.
Founded in 1934, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers is the oldest Jewish bar association in the United States. It has an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession and adherence to the rule of law.