Americans often talk about “our rights” and are not hesitant to invoke “our rights.” When we do so, we are talking about those rights protected under the United States Constitution, such as the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. As citizens, we all have these and other rights protected from infringement by the government, whether federal or state. These rights are vitally important and play a large role in the kind of government we have and the society in which we live.
Rights Versus Responsibilities
Fundamental Role of Federal Courts Is To Say What The Law Is
“It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases, must of necessity expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the courts must decide on the operation of each. So if a law be in opposition to the constitution . . . the constitution, and not such ordinary act, must govern the case to which they both apply.”
The Civics Bowl: Civics Education Made Fun
A sound knowledge of civics is essential for the functioning and continuation of our form of democracy. Many of our national leaders have expressed concern at the lack of civics knowledge by much of our population. One problem is, how do we make civics education more than just a drudgery for our younger generation? Here is one example of how civics education can be not only enlightening but also fun.
Civics Bowl
On April 14, 2022, the Eastern District of Tennessee conducted its inaugural “Civics Bowl” in the Chattanooga federal courthouse. The event was sponsored by the Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. The participants were members of the Chattanooga Urban League’s National Achievers Society, a group of high school students from various Chattanooga schools focusing on college and life preparation.
The students were given a list of civics questions to research and study in advance. They were divided into two teams and took turns competing to answer the questions, with whoever hit their buzzer first getting the first try at the question. The competition lasted an enthusiastic half hour. Each member of the winning team received a $15 gift card, courtesy of the FBA.
After the competition, the students heard from and asked questions of legal practitioners about what they do and how they got where they are. The panelists were Erin Rust of the Federal Defender Services, Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Piper, Alexis Crutchfield of Miller & Martin, federal law clerk Kristen Dupard, and District Judge Curtis Collier.
A Timely Look At The Constitutional Nomination And Confirmation Process
The nomination of federal appellate judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court is one of the top national stories being covered in the media today. With this nomination receiving so much media coverage, it is an excellent time for a primer on the nomination and confirmation process. The same basic process applies to all Article III federal judges, whether for the trial-level district courts, the circuit courts of appeals, or the Supreme Court. The process also demonstrates one of the ways in which the three different branches of our federal government serve as checks and balances on each other.
Judge Wade Hampton McCree, Jr.: A Distinguished Public Servant
February is Black History Month. Dr. Carter G. Woodson originally established it as a one-week observance in 1926. He picked the second week of February in memory of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the celebration was extended to the entire month. It highlights the accomplishments and achievements of African Americans that might otherwise go unrecognized.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Many people repeat Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quotation that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” President Barack Obama, for one, repeated it often. Where did this quotation come from, and what is its connection to the federal courts?
Bill Of Rights Day
We recognize December 15 as Bill of Rights Day. President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated this day by proclamation in 1941 to observe and honor the ratification of the first ten amendments to the Unites States Constitution. But how did the Bill of Rights itself come to be?
The Grand Jury - The People's Gatekeeper
One of the most important parts of our federal judicial system is the jury. Most people know the role of the trial jury in determining guilt or innocence in a criminal trial and liability in a civil trial. But there is another type of federal jury that is critical to the operation of our federal judiciary—the grand jury.
Civil Discourse - A Necessary Skill In Our Demoracy
Federal Courts often encounter disputes where the stakes are high, litigants hold strongly opposed opinions, and emotions run hot. Add to this a variety of sometimes conflicting personalities, and you might expect unsolvable disputes.