Randall M. Comer, President of the Clark County Bar Association (2020-2021), and other leaders of the local bar association released the following press release:
The members of the Clark County Bar Association condemn in the strongest terms the attack last week on the United States Capitol. The Rule of Law, free and fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power are the cornerstones of our democracy. The reprehensible acts of those who attacked the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College vote are repugnant to the ideals upon which our nation was founded. As lawyers, we respect and support the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and protest. However, those who resort to lawlessness and violence shall never find sympathy nor support from those in the legal profession sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Ohio.
The Clark County Bar Association is a professional association of local lawyers with more than 130 members. Held to high ethical standards, lawyers not only have a duty to their clients, but also to the legal system and the public it serves. As such, lawyers have a responsibility to educate the public regarding the importance of the Rule of Law and promote respect for the legal system.
In an article published in the Springfield News-Sun, President Comer further stated: “As lawyers we have a sworn duty to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Ohio.” Mr. Comer believes it is that duty which compelled the association to issue the release speaking to the higher ideals upon which our nation was founded and against the lawless violence that occurred last Wednesday.