The Judicial Scarlet Letter

To the editor, Amid a series of recent controversial judicial decisions regarding the pledge of allegiance, gay rights and Terri Schiavo's life, opponents of various judicial rulings have branded members of the American judiciary with the new scarlet letter of "A," not for adulterer but "activist." Today, the independence of the judiciary, along with the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances that have endured Western political thought for centuries, is under assault. Opponents deride "activist" judges for "legislating from the bench," making laws that would otherwise not have been enacted due to weak public support.