As Chair of the Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee, and with permission from Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell, I have shared with our judges a message (see attached) to be read at the start of the docket on Friday, September 16, 2011, in observance of national Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, recognizing the rights of life, liberty, freedom and prosperity for all Americans. Although the participation of judges is voluntary, they are encouraged to share the Public Awareness Committee’s Constitution Day message with those appearing before court, reminding us all to celebrate the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Today you are attending a session of the Circuit / District for ___ County, Maryland. I would like to take this opportunity to also advise you that, today, we observe what is known as Constitution Day. This day is celebrated each year in the United States on September 17th. This year, we are recognizing it on September 16th, since it falls on a Saturday. This event highlights the creation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. It also recognizes all United States citizens.
In a democratic and diverse society such as ours, what must tie us together as Americans are shared values. At the heart of these values, and of our system of government, is the United States Constitution. That document, written originally in 1787, established the framework of government that is still in place today. The Constitution organizes the federal government as three co-equal branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The judiciary --- our court system --- has a special and unique role in American constitutional democracy. Americans have long looked to our courts as guardians of our basic freedoms, , protectors of the rights of individuals and political minorities, interpreters of the Constitution and laws of the land.
Our Constitution is a living document whose survival depends upon each generation of Americans understanding, supporting, and actively promoting its principles and values. You have a role to play in this process. We hope that you will take the time to review the U.S. Constitution to enhance your civic understanding and become involved in all levels of our government.
Finally as you leave the proceedings today, you may contact the Clerk’s office for information on how to obtain a free copy of the U.S. Constitution.
In addition, I am providing all clerks and court administrators with the attached Constitution Day flyer, in English and Spanish, informing court visitors how to download a copy of the U.S. Constitution online or order a printed booklet from the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this regard. It is greatly appreciated.
Yours truly,
Judge Pamila J. Brown, Chair
Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee
Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee
2 comments:
AT 12:04 PM SFD dispatched for a MVC in the area of Eastern Shore Drive and Monroe Street? Turns out it was a shooting that occurred in the area of the Salvation Army.
SFD and SPD on the scene. MSP broadcast a lookout for the suspects vehicle.
It amazes me that a Judge would write an official proclamation such as this twice calling a "democracy" what the Constitution establishes as a Republic. No wonder she didn't hand out free copies of the Constitution there; she would have become a laughingstock before she could get out of the room!
Also glad she made this available in Spanish, so all the Mexican illegals could learn about our "democracy".
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the USA, and to the republic for which it stands..."
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