Lawmaker Calls on State’s Attorneys to Refuse Service on Gov. Christie’s Judicial Review Panel
TRENTON – Senator Lesniak, senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a lawyer, called on his fellow lawyers to refuse any offer to serve on the Governor’s Judicial Review Panel to replace the members who resigned to protest Governor Christie’s views on the non-reappointment of former Supreme Court Wallace as “inconsistent with an independent judiciary.”
Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said the resigning members will be replaced “in short order.”
“I hope not,” said Senator Lesniak. “The arrogance of the Governor’s spokesman shows his total disregard for decent treatment of fellow human beings and Governor Christie’s total disregard for the importance of an independent judiciary.
“Any lawyer accepting this position will be saying to the entire bar, lawyers and judges, they are the enforcers of political correctness and judges better watch their step, look over their shoulders, and follow the Christie party line or watch out, because you’ll be next.
“I’m reminded of Martin Niemöller’s quotation:
“’First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Socialist.
“’Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
“’Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Jew.
“’Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.’
“New Jersey lawyers, make us proud, don’t sell out. That’s not why you became lawyers. J’espere.”