January 7, 2021

Statement on Violence at the U.S. Capitol

We condemn, in the strongest terms, yesterday’s assault on our legislative branch of government and our system of democracy. The 2020 election was fairly conducted, and claims of impropriety were investigated and considered by our courts, including the United States Supreme Court. No evidence of any significant fraud or wrongdoing was found.

Yesterday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol is in direct contravention of the principles we hold dear as lawyers and members of society. We believe in the rule of law, supporting and defending the Constitution, the peaceful and orderly transition of political power, and legal accountability. Our democracy is based on supporting our Constitution, as well as our statutory and decisional laws.

The constitutional right to free speech and peaceful protest must always be upheld and protected. However, storming the Capitol building and intentionally disrupting the procedure for certification of electoral votes is not peaceful protest. It is criminal conduct for which there must be accountability.

The peaceful transition of power from one elected president to the next has been an honored American tradition for over two hundred years and serves as a model to the rest of the world. We, as lawyers, must stand up and fight to preserve racial, social, and economic justice, democracy, and the sacred rule of law.

Although we will never forget the events of January 6, 2021, we, as lawyers, must do everything in our power to help our nation heal and move forward. We urge the members of Congress to work together in a non – partisan fashion to create positive changes for all Americans.


Robert D. Erney
President, Columbus Bar Association