Speaking Truth to Power: The Fragility of Democracy and the Role of Attorneys in Upholding the Constitution

The film recognizes forces of hatred and division as recurring themes in American life, but ultimately gives hope that the lessons of the past may bring the nation closer to achieving its democratic ideals.   We are at another pivotal moment in history, similar to those before. We remain in a period of racial reckoning in which many harbor unfounded stereotypes that cast entire communities of color, immigrants, and religious minorities as dangerous threats to our country. Millions of voters continue to believe that the presidential election was stolen despite evidence to the contrary. And elected leaders continue to fuel this narrative even after the U.S. Capitol was stormed in a failed insurrection overturn the elections. The panel will discuss the role that lawyers play in supporting the Constitution and the cause of truth, and the dire consequences to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law when they ignore it.