The American Crisis in Civility:Professional Parables: Pathways Illuminated By The Better Angels of Our Nature Paperback – February 18, 2026

There is a growing crisis of civility in America—especially within the legal profession—where common courtesy, professionalism, and respect have sharply declined despite being mandated by attorney oaths. Drawing on nearly a century of combined litigation experience, editors Ned Currie and Mills Gallivan seek to benefit and promote the FDCC Foundation’s Barb Currie Diversity Scholarship and the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, both of which have long championed civility, professionalism, and judicial excellence. Concerned by the cultural shift toward incivility, they created this book as a collection of real-life parables from respected lawyers and judges. They offer powerful models for young attorneys and a reminder that civility strengthens both advocacy and the justice system. The book shares the editors’ purpose and gratitude for contributors and sponsors. Their hope is that readers will “pay it forward” by promoting civility throughout the legal community and beyond. Read more