The Judicial Fairness Coalition's mission is to foster the independence of our courts and trust in our judicial system by providing education and resources about the branch, speaking out in our communities, and serving as a resource and voice when the judiciary is subject to unfair criticism, attacks, and security threats.

More than 100 Retired California Judges Created the “Wall of Justice” to defend the Rule of Law & an Independent Judiciary. Read the Press Release HERE and watch the video HERE

FOR THE PUBLIC: Learn about judicial independence and the role of the judicial branch.

FOR THE LEGAL COMMUNITY, EDUCATORS & OTHERS: Help us teach about and defend judicial independence!

Retired Judges Initiative      

Information & Resources

• How do California judges become judges?

• Why do judges wear robes?

• Infographic: What do we mean when we talk about judicial independence?

Your Questions Answered by Judges and Retired Judges

• How do judges become judges?

• What powers do judges have to enforce their orders if they are not obeyed?

• Do judges feel pressure to align with the Governor who appointed them?

• How does a judge keep their personal views and biases from impacting their decision-making?

Virtual Town Hall Video

• Judges & Politics: Virtual Town Hall April 2025

Retired Judges Initiative

As of November 1, 2025, the Retired Judges Initiative (RJI), a subcommittee of the JFC, is comprised of 140 retired judicial officers in 28 California counties.

• Daily Journal - Retired judges form group to defend judiciary and educate public (Log-in required)

Declaration of Judicial Independence -- Issued 9/17/25

• Davis Vanguard

• Ojai Valley News

• Santa Barbara Independent

• San Francisco Chronicle

• The Recorder

Social Media Content

• JFC Fast Facts

• How do California judges become judges?

• Why do judges wear robes?

• GIF: What do we mean when we talk about judicial independence?

• Infographic: What do we mean when we talk about judicial independence?

Partner Resources

• Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School

  • Defending the Judiciary

  • How to Respond to Attacks on the Judiciary

  • Civics Break

  • Repository of Resources

• Cal-ABOTA - Preserving a Fair, Impartial, and Independent Judiciary

• Los Angeles County Bar Association - Library of Legal Resources Related to the Rule of Law and Immigration Services

• National Association of Women Judges - Informed Voters - Fair Judges Project

• Speak Up for Justice

Hosting a Town Hall

• How to host a Judicial Independence Forum

• PowerPoint: Importance of Judicial Independence

• PowerPoint: The Importance of an Impartial Judiciary