Abusing 'the rule of law': More 1,000 ex-judges are sick of Trump's voter fraud farce

A large group of legal professionals, comprised of retired federal and state judges, state attorneys general and law professors, are pushing back against President Donald Trump's post-election legal antics, making it clear the claims of widespread voter fraud are unfounded.

In an open letter, the group described as "representing a myriad of political and ideological backgrounds" stressed the importance of "accountability for false claims of fraudulent election." They called on public officials and lawyers to uphold the oath they have taken to defend the Constitution by refraining from perpetuating falsehoods and implementing legal actions to prolong president's baseless legal battles to undermine the results of the election.

While the group did acknowledge that every candidate has the right to a fair electoral process, allegations of widespread voter fraud must be based on factual evidence. They also noted how the president's approach is a threat to the United States' democracy and an effort to undermine the integrity of the country's voting systems. As they recounted the series of events that have transpired over the last several days, they stressed the importance of legal professionals remaining ethically grounded.

"The President of the United States has directed the filing of court cases seeking to stop ballots from being counted on the ground that there has been widespread ballot fraud," the letter stated. "His sons have sharply criticized Republicans who are not backing their father's claims."

The letter added, "Lawyers who represent the President, or his campaign, in challenges to this election – like all lawyers who appear in court – have an ethical obligation of candor to the court. As embodied in the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3, "the lawyer must not allow the tribunal to be misled by false statements of … fact or evidence that the lawyer knows to be false."

Due to the severity of the situation, the group has also urged legal professionals to put partisanship aside and put the country before Trump's unfounded demands.

"This unprecedented moment transcends partisanship. The country and the world are watching to see how America responds to the President's shameful attack on the legitimacy of America's voting process.

There has never been a more important time for America's lawyers to acknowledge the importance of these solemn commitments, and to demand accountability for those lawyers and federal officials who do not live up to their oaths and ethical obligations."

The letter concluded with a lengthy list of the signers who have expressed support for the calls of accountability.