Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government on the Politicization of the Department of Justice by Attorney General Barr

February 20, 2020

Attorney General William Barr’s recent politicization of the Department of Justice is an abuse of power that violates the MWEG Principles of Ethical Government. For our democracy to function and corruption to be held at bay, the DOJ must serve as a critical bulwark in the defense of the rule of law, protecting the rights of all citizens. We have witnessed a corruption of criminal justice independence as Attorney General Barr interfered with prosecutorial sentencing recommendations for Roger Stone and supervised the placement of politically supportive U.S. attorneys in key positions. These acts erode the barriers keeping the judicial system free from political interference.

When added to the persistent and partisan mishandling of investigations associated with Russian interference in the last election, there is a clear pattern of action by the attorney general. He is acting in the service of a president who openly declares his authority to use the criminal justice system for the protection of his allies and the punishment of his opposition. These actions are unprecedented in modern DOJ history and demonstrate how Barr has failed both the department and the nation by compromising our belief in the supremacy of law — law that binds together a widely diverse and complicated democracy. 

Without a collective faith in the independence of those who mete out justice and the institutions they represent, Americans cannot act with confidence that the system is impartial. For faith in the system to endure, our leaders must act both substantively and symbolically to defend our national principles. The attorney general has consistently protected a president who fails in his most important role — that of providing ethical and moral leadership in defense of our cherished rights. It is now clear that Barr himself has failed in the execution of his duty as well.

Because of this, we join other voices calling on Attorney General Barr to make a simple choice — rise to the historical moment and denounce the corrupt practices, honoring the duty of the attorney general, or quickly offer up his resignation. He has clearly disregarded patterns and norms, lost the faith of his principled employees and peers in the justice system, and openly declared opposition to one of our most precious civic ideals — the idea that no individual stands above the law. We affirm that adherence to this principle is necessary if our nation is to thrive, and we invite all citizens to speak out in its defense.