National Constitution Day celebrates signing of historic U.S. document
September 17 is national Constitution Day. National Constitution Day celebrates the Constitution of the United States of America, which was signed on September 17, 1787.
The Constitution of the United States of America has survived longer than any other country’s constitution. The Constitution was established “in order to form a more perfect Union,” and, among other things “establish Justice.” Article III of the Constitution created the judicial department, and established the right of persons charged with a crime to be tried by a jury.
Amendment VII, part of the Bill of Rights, established the right of trial by jury in civil cases.
The judicial department has a special and unique role in American constitutional democracy. The Constitution created the judicial department as a check upon the power of the legislative and executive branches. The judicial department protects the rights given to Americans by the Constitution.
“An independent, fair and impartial judiciary is indispensable to our system of justice. The United States legal system is based upon the principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed of men and women of integrity, will interpret and apply the law that governs our society.
Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law.” Revised Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, Preamble.
I hope you will take a moment to consider that amazing document — the Constitution of the United States of America — and the freedoms it established for all Americans.
— Judge Jim Wilson, First Judicial District of Nevada, Carson City and Storey County