While people typically think of May 1 as May Day, ushering in Spring and perhaps dancing around a Maypole, May 1 is also Law Day. With the recent arrest of a Wisconsin judge and the Trump administration ignoring orders from both Federal Courts and the Supreme Court, arresting and deoporting individuals without due process and creating a perfect storm for a constitutional crisis, it seemed pertinent to talk about law.
It began with a vision by American Bar President Charles S. Rhyne in 1957. President Dwight D. Eisenhower must have liked the concept as he declared May 1 Law Day in 1958, setting aside a national day to reflect on and celebrate the rule of law. This moment provides an opportunity for citizens to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contributes to the freedoms that all Americans share.
The Preamble of the Constitution set the stage for our judicial system, boldly asserting “We the People, in Order to Form a More Perfect Union.”
It hasn’t always worked for all citizens. Since the Constitution’s conception, “we the people” generally referred to white property-owning men. However, over time, to create a more perfect Union, amendments, specifically the 14, 15 and 19, have been added. Those amendments acknowledged people of color’s basic human rights and gave both women and people of color the right to vote.
The Constitution is still far from perfect, and the Union is still vastly imperfect. Yet, the Constitution continues to provide a framework for government that unites Americans as one citizenry, through means such as representative government, jury service, and a regular Census. Through this commitment to our Union, each citizen provides for the common good through government responses to national crises and natural disasters, and through community and advocacy programs for everyone.
Only by understanding the consitutional foundation can the laws be properly implemented, followed and enforced. With that thought in mind, and to continue a discussion about the judicial system, throughout the month of May the Journal will be running a series of columns from those affiliated with our local court system reflecting on an array of perspectives of law.
