Had state courts ruled differently in 2020, we would be working within a dramatically altered national context and facing the sobering reality that our systems of checks and balances had failed. Instead, the courts stood to uphold democracy and our collective national interests.

In 2021, a record number of bills moved in states that would destroy the independence of the third branch of government. In fact, during the first half of 2021, approximately 100 bills in 26 states were introduced that would limit courts’ power or would inject politics into state courts.

As the attacks grow and evolve, there is one common thread: encouraged by special interests, state legislatures are working to consolidate power and reduce the courts’ authority, destroying the separation of powers. By 2024, they could capture enough courts to change the outcome of future presidential elections and control our democracy. It won’t happen like a light switch, with a sudden reveal in 2024. Without immediate action, we expect captured courts before the 2022 elections.

Piper Fund has a plan on how to build power to push for reform while also pushing back against the threats to our courts.

Download: State courts are the new battleground for our rights and our democracy.