Dickinson College President Among New Group of Former Federal Judges Defending the Judiciary
John E. Jones III '77, P'11, is a founding members of the Article III Coalition
Dickinson President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, is among the founding members of the Article III Coalition, a group of nearly 20 former federal judges focused on protecting an independent judiciary, strengthening democracy, defending the rule of law and inspiring an informed citizenry. On Thursday, May 1, the group released an open letter explaining, “[we] dedicate ourselves to the unending duty of protecting our democracy.”
Jones, who served nearly 20 years in the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania, left the bench as chief judge in 2021 to lead his alma mater as its 30th president. “We are seeing unprecedented attacks on the independence of judges and the very foundations of the third branch of government,” said Jones. “I am proud to join my fellow former judges to stand up for the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Named for the constitutional article establishing the judicial branch, the Article III Coalition is part of Keep Our Republic, a non-partisan civic education organization committed to the vitality of America’s democracy. The coalition’s members include former judges appointed by presidents of both parties, hailing from disparate legal philosophies, but united in their common belief in the role of the third branch of government and its importance to maintaining a healthy republic.
Jones is a vocal advocate for the judiciary and for judicial security. He has appeared frequently on CBS, CNN, MSNBC and PBS to discuss judicial issues. His comments have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian and other top news outlets.
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Published May 1, 2025