Law Day, U.S.A., 2003

Proclamation 7670 of April 30, 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 responsibility 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B