Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has issued a joint statement, co-signed by 17 state attorneys general, in response to Vice President Vance's recent comments on judicial review. The statement was released following remarks made by the Vice President on February 9, 2025.
The statement begins with a strong rejection of the Vice President's comments: “The Vice President’s statement is as wrong as it is reckless. As chief law enforcement officers representing the people of 17 states, we unequivocally reject the Vice President’s attempt to spread this dangerous lie.”
It continues by clarifying the role of judges in government: “Judges do not ‘control’ executive power. Judges stop the unlawful and unconstitutional exercise of power." It references Chief Justice Marshall's assertion from Marbury v. Madison that emphasizes a "government of laws, and not of men."
The statement further elaborates on the principle of checks and balances within American governance: “Americans understand the principle of checks and balances. The judiciary is a check on unlawful action by the executive and legislative branches of government.” It affirms that all public officials are subject to these checks.
Neronha assures that any violation of constitutional or federal law will be met with action: “As Attorneys General, we will carefully scrutinize each and every action taken by this administration. If the Constitution or federal law is violated, we will not hesitate to act.”
He cites actions already taken against certain executive orders perceived as unlawful or unconstitutional, such as those related to birthright citizenship bans and unauthorized data disclosures.
Concluding their position, Neronha states: “Judges granted our motions and issued restraining orders to protect the American people, democracy, and the rule of law. That is and has always been their job.”
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong led this initiative alongside his counterparts from Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington.