WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association has been approached by a coalition of world bar leaders to speak out on international issues when the need arises; and

WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association strategic plan specifically advocates for protecting and furthering judicial independence, the rule of law and the preservation of judicial security; and

WHEREAS, leaders of the Mexican Bar Association (known as the Barra Mexican Colegio de Abogados) have reached out to bar leaders in many bar associations around the world, including this bar association, for assistance in speaking out on a growing problem of intimidation of the Mexico judiciary by the executive and legislative branches of the Mexican government; and

WHEREAS, the accompanying joint statement has been prepared in which several other bar associations already have joined, including bar associations in New York City, Chicago, Amsterdam, Brussels and Laval Canada; and

WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association believes that it is worthwhile to lend its support, where appropriate, to other bar associations around the globe when judicial independence and the rule of law are in jeopardy, and believes that this is indeed one of those appropriate instances.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Philadelphia Bar Association adopts this resolution and authorizes the Chancellor to sign the accompanying joint statement or comparable version thereof.

PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
ADOPTED: October 26, 2023