To the judges of the Commonwealth:
We are writing not as lawyers, activists, or public figures—but as parents.
Our child was taken without a warrant, without evidence, and without the due process the law demands. We fought back in court and won. But when we asked the appellate system to review how this could happen, we were told it didn’t matter—because we won.
That is not justice. That is a shield for the process that broke the law in the first place.
The rulings we received—both at the trial level and on appeal—did not defend the law. They defended relationships. They protected the comfort of colleagues. They upheld the idea that if the outcome is technically correct, the path to get there doesn’t matter.
It does matter.
Judges are not social workers. You are not therapists. You are not there to “do what feels right” or protect the reputations of those you know. You are there to interpret and apply the law—consistently, impartially, and with courage.
This is your moment to lead—or to remain silent.
Because while families are being dragged into courtrooms without jurisdiction, without affidavits, and without legal cause, the courts are telling them, “There’s nothing we can do now.”
That is a lie.
You can speak. You can review. You can write. And you can choose to put the Constitution and laws above professional friendships.
We are asking judges who see what’s wrong to stand up.
To file amicus briefs.
To issue public commentary.
To be on the side of law, not habit.
You know what is happening. You know how far these processes have drifted.
It is time to speak.
Because if the courts continue to uphold silence, the public will no longer believe you are interpreting the law. They will see you as protecting your own.
And you will have proved them right.
—Justin Carlson & Rebecca Lombard