Advocacy and Judicial Power...

​I feel it is imperative that I share the importance of utilizing Judicial Power when taking on the charge of Justice Reform. What is JUDICIAL POWER?

​“AUTHORITY, both constitutional and legal, given to the courts and its judges:
(1) to preside over and render judgment on court-worthy cases;
(2) to enforce or void statutes and laws when scope or constitutionality are questioned
(3) to interpret statutes and laws when disputes arise.”

​In matters of justice and equity, it seems that traditional advocacy is centered on creating and passing NEW – Laws through legislative means; but the Legislative HAS NO authority nor the obligation to address if current laws are “unjust”; that power is exclusive to the Judicial.

​If current laws are causing injustice, or harm to the public, and/or producing an adverse disparate impact on members of the public… then the matter needs to be brought up to the court.

​​It is my personal conviction that for effective justice reform to take place in CT, we must utilize Judicial Power. If a judge renders a law unconstitutional, it will force legislation to prioritize reform. We – The – People have the power to petition the court under constitutional law!

​CT Constitution. Declaration of Rights.

​SEC. 2. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and they have at all times an undeniable and indefeasible right to alter their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.

​SEC. 10. All courts shall be open, and every person, for an injury done to him in his person, property or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay.

If laws are no longer “benefiting the people” we “have an undeniable right to alter it, and petition the court”. At basic, the court can provide the remedy of nullifying or voiding laws and statutes that are “causing injury to person, property or reputation.” (Consider the disparate impact of laws on housing, employment, cash bail, etc.) Policy Reform in matters of Justice and Equity need to utilize Judicial Power.

By Noemi Soto