SAU's Faith & Freedom Center Chair Addresses Judicial Independence and Political Pressure at Michigan State University Law Debate

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Honorable William Wagner (Ret.), Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Constitutional Law and Distinguished Chair of the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center at Spring Arbor University, participated in a Federalist Society debate at Michigan State University College of Law examining judicial independence, political pressure, and the rule of law.

The debate addressed whether America's judiciary remains genuinely independent of political influence and whether political pressures affect judicial decisions more than commonly acknowledged.

Drawing upon his experience as a former federal judge, constitutional scholar, and federal prosecutor, Wagner emphasized that judicial independence is essential to constitutional government but carries an equally important obligation of judicial responsibility.

“Judicial independence is indispensable to the rule of law. But independence without fidelity to law risks replacing the rule of law with the rule of judges,” Wagner declared.

His presentation examined the Constitution's separation of powers and the distinction between legitimate constitutional checks and improper political interference. He illustrated these principles through three historical controversies: President Franklin Roosevelt's 1937 court-packing proposal, the Senate's handling of Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination, and the confirmation proceedings involving Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Wagner also warned against political influence originating within the judiciary itself, particularly when judges substitute personal ideological preferences for faithful constitutional interpretation.

“The judiciary must be independent enough to say no to the President and Congress—and disciplined enough to say no to itself,” Wagner emphasized.

He further cautioned against assuming that politically controversial judicial decisions necessarily demonstrate partisan motivation, stressing the importance of evidence and sound legal reasoning.

Wagner concluded by reaffirming that constitutional government depends upon both an independent judiciary and meaningful limits on judicial power.

His participation reflects the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center's commitment to advancing constitutional literacy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America's founding principles of ordered liberty.