On October 14, 2025, lawyers, scholars, and public officials gathered at the University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Hall for Standing Up for the Rule of Law: How Do We Save It?—a public forum hosted by Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law. The event brought together leaders from across Maine’s legal community and beyond to examine how the rule of law can be protected at a moment when public trust in institutions is being tested.
Governor Janet T. Mills opened the program with a call to action, urging Mainers to defend the Constitution and the systems that safeguard fairness and accountability. “The law is neither red nor blue,” she said. “It is not owned by any political party, and it is not the tool of the chief executive. The law, very simply, is the greatest achievement of our society.” Her remarks framed the discussion that followed, underscoring the shared responsibility of both government and citizens to preserve the independence of the courts and the integrity of legal institutions.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Harvard Law Professor and constitutional scholar Noah Feldman, emphasized that the rule of law depends as much on culture as on codified rules. “We are in a completely new environment where large number of Americans are expressing healthy skepticism about the rule of that’s why we need to talk about the rule of law. That’s why we need to talk about where it comes from, why it’s valuable because it’s not obvious movement and here’s the key point. Because it’s no longer a given that our way of life substantiates the rule of law. It’s no longer a given. Once you lose that it’s very hard to get it back.” he noted, encouraging attendees to see civic engagement as an essential part of maintaining a functioning democracy.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, ACLU of Maine Legal Director Carol Garvan, and Maine State Bar Association President Susan Faunce. Each brought a unique perspective on the challenges facing the legal system, from misinformation to threats against judicial independence—and the ways in which Maine’s legal community can help rebuild public confidence.
Throughout the forum, one message resonated clearly: lawyers are not bystanders in the defense of democracy. Whether through courtroom advocacy, policy work, or pro bono service, members of the bar play a central role in upholding fairness, protecting rights, and ensuring that justice remains accessible to all. For Murray Plumb & Murray, these conversations reaffirm the purpose that guides our work. The rule of law is the foundation on which every legal matter rests, it ensures predictability in business, fairness in dispute resolution, and equality before the law. As a firm deeply rooted in Maine’s legal and civic communities, we take seriously our responsibility to model integrity and accountability in every aspect of our practice. We appreciate the efforts of Murray Plumb & Murray partners Chris Branson, Peter Murray and Kelly McDonald who are members of the steering committee of Maine Lawyers for the Rule of the Law.
The forum served as both a reminder and a challenge: the rule of law endures only when it is actively defended. We commend Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law and the event organizers for convening this vital discussion and thank all who continue to stand up for the principles that make our justice system work.
For more on the forum and to watch the event stream, visit http://maineruleoflaw.org/
