In recent months there has been much public discussion regarding the federal courts, especially the United States Supreme Court. Much of the discussion has been about controversial decisions, ethical rules, and judicial temperament. Sometimes underlying these discussions are common misperceptions about the roles and responsibilities of federal chief judges and of the Chief Justice of the United States.
THE CHIEF JUDGE IS NOT THE “BOSS.”
On May 9, Cheviot Elementary School in Cincinnati hosted a naturalization ceremony presided over by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Students at the school organized the entire event and chose which songs to sing and what poems to read during the ceremony.
United States Chief Bankruptcy Judge Beth A. Buchanan presided over the ceremony.
Other students were able to watch the ceremony live from the bleachers for their gymnasium.
Above the imposing doors of the United States Supreme Court in our nation’s capital appear the words “Equal Justice Under Law.” These four words encapsulate the aspiration of the federal judiciary to do justice to all who come before its courts regardless of their personal circumstances. These four words serve as a cornerstone of the American judicial system.
Throughout our history, the federal courts have strived to help make this country, composed of several sovereign states and disparate people, one nation. In doing so, they have sought to carry out the goal stated in our nation’s first motto: “E Pluribus Unum,” or in English, “Out of Many, One.”
February is Black History Month. This month we take the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American on the United States Supreme Court. Associate Justice Marshall’s remarkable career was defined by his unwavering commitment to civil rights, equality, and the principles of justice.
This past year, 2024, saw a fresh start and new beginnings for some of our citizens, since last year these new citizens took the final step to abandon their former national citizenship and become United States citizens.
Bill of Rights Day is Sunday, December 15, 2024. Although it is not a national holiday, it is nevertheless an important day of remembrance. We commemorate this date to mark the adoption of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. This crucial document is one of the cornerstones of our representative democracy.
