Dickinson President Discusses Rule of Law at Democracy Summit
President John E. Jones III '77, P'11 (right) joined former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson (center) and Center for Election Innovation & Research Founder and Executive Director David Becker (left) on a panel on defending the rule of law. Photo by Baiada Photography.
Guardrails of Democracy: Defending the Rule of Law
by Craig Layne
Dickinson College President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, joined national leaders in law, government and civic engagement at the Committee of Seventy’s “The Promise of Democracy: 250 Years and the Path Ahead” summit, held July 15-16 in Philadelphia. The event brought together policymakers, educators, journalists and advocates to examine challenges facing American democracy as the nation marks its 250th anniversary this year.
Jones, a former U.S. district judge, participated in the session “Guardrails of Democracy: Defending the Rule of Law,” which focused on the resilience of legal institutions, constitutional norms and democratic systems amid increasing political pressure. The panel also featured David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research; former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson; and former American Bar Association President Mary Smith. The discussion was moderated by University of Pennsylvania Law School Professor Kermit Roosevelt.
“It was truly an honor to participate in the event, including my appearance on a terrific panel,” Jones said. “The day’s presentations highlighted the current, serious challenges to our democracy, but also instilled hope for its future.”
Hosted by nonpartisan, nonprofit civic leadership organization the Committee of Seventy, the summit explored a wide range of issues affecting democratic governance, including election integrity, media trust, voter participation, political polarization and the balance of power among the branches of government. Organizers described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate American democracy while engaging in substantive conversations about strengthening it for future generations.
During the rule-of-law discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and protecting the independence of the judiciary. According to a report from Philadelphia NPR member station WHYY-FM, Jones warned that escalating attacks on judges and increasingly heated public rhetoric pose risks to both individual jurists and the judicial system itself. “We are going to get a judge killed,” Jones said during the discussion. “We’ve got to dial down the toxic rhetoric.”
Jones has urged lawmakers and pundits to reduce the temperature in the past, including in an exclusive report on NBC News, an in-depth feature on 60 Minutes, on the Bloomberg Law Podcast, and in multiple appearances on CNN over the past three years.
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Published July 21, 2026