For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 1, 2003
Law Day, U.S.A., 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America was founded on the ideals of liberty and equality for all,
and the Framers of the Constitution created three branches of the
national Government to uphold these principles. The third branch, the
Judicial, is responsible for administering justice fairly and
impartially. On Law Day, we recognize the achievements of our Nation's
legal system and our independent Judiciary in sustaining the rights and
liberties we cherish.
George Washington wrote, "The administration of justice is the
firmest pillar of government." Our Judicial branch upholds the rule of
law in our society and strengthens our democracy. Under the
Constitution, judges are granted the solemn respon-sibility of
providing fair and impartial resolution of criminal and civil
disputes.
This year's Law Day theme, "Independent Courts Protect Our
Liberties," focuses on one of the foundations of our constitutional
system: judicial independence, provided in the Federal system by life
tenure and an assured level of compensation. In order to ensure
equality for all citizens and fairness in the judicial process, our
judges must serve as impartial arbiters who do not have a stake in
their decisions or seek to achieve a biased outcome or particular
result in the cases they oversee.
Our constitutional system of separation of powers places careful
limits on the powers of judges and separates the responsibilities of
making laws and interpreting laws between the Legislative and Judicial
branches. Independent Federal judges have the autonomy to make
decisions and interpret the law unfettered by outside influences. In
this way, we are assured that our laws will be interpreted justly and
applied with uniformity.
Our Nation's judges must be men and women of exemplary character,
wisdom, experience, and good temperament, and have a willingness to
work hard. They must be jurists who will honor the public office with
which they are entrusted.
This Law Day, we recognize the vital role of independent judges in
upholding justice in courts throughout our land, and we resolve to
continue to support and strengthen the Judicial branch, thereby helping
to preserve our rights and liberties.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby
proclaim May 1, 2003, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of
the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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