The attorneys at the Federalist Society have proven faithful to their principles, by articulating the constitutional case for Chief Justice Roy Moore’s lawful resistance to Judge Myron Thompson orders. They have correctly criticized Bill Pryor for acting contrary to law, not consistent with it. Here is a quote from their publication:

Justice Moore, in his defiance of the federal courts, wrote, “Under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, federal courts have absolutely no power, authority or jurisdiction [in this case].” He is, correctly in our opinion, arguing that he cannot be in disobedience of a judicial order where there is no jurisdiction. Thus, his actions do not rise even to the level of civil disobedience — just defiance of an unlawful ruling. Of course, this distinction is predicated on respect for the rule of law under our Constitution, not the rule of judges, or what Thomas Jefferson characterized as “the Despotic branch.” Justice Moore is currently suspended for his defiance and faces ethics charges before the seven-member Court of the Judiciary....

So what’s next? A new appeal to the Supreme Court is in the works, while Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, Attorney General Bill Pryor and the eight Associate Justices are busy trying to convince the people of Alabama that they support the Ten Commandments but were bound to obey the rule of law. “Because we are a society of laws, the Alabama Supreme Court has a duty to comply with the federal court order, whether they agree with it or not,” said Riley. Indeed, they do — unless the order is unlawful. Riley did not say how far from the “rule of law” they are willing to let judicial activists stray before adhering to Alabama’s state motto, “We Dare Defend our Rights.”