Item B12
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: April 16, 2003
Division:
District 1
Bulk Item: Yes
No
Department: Mayor Dixie M. Spehar
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Proclamation to declare May 1, 2003 as "Law Day".
ITEM BACKGROUND:
Law Day, 2003 provides an opportunity to re-examine how we as a nation want our judiciary to
function. At a time when partisans and special interests try to shape a judiciary that is responsive to
political considerations above all else, we have the responsibility to reaffirm our commitment to a truly
independent third branch.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST:
BUDGETED: Yes
No
COST TO COUNTY:
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes
No
AMOUNT PER MONTH
Year
APPROVED BY: COlmty Atty
OMB/Purchasing _ Risk Management _
DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
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Mayor Dixfe M. Spehar
DOCUMENTATION:
Included
To Follow
Not Required_
AGENDA ITEM # 8/2-
DISPOSITION:
Revised 1/03
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f'roclamation
WHEREAS, law Day is a celebration of America and the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, an essential component to the American ideal of the rule of law Is a fair and impartial judiciary; and
WHEREAS, a flIir and Impartial judiciary proiects Amllrican's rights and liberties under state and federal
con~titut;'.ns; and
WHEREAS, a fair and Impartial judiciary requires an independent judiciary able to fulfill its constitutional
obligations as the third branch of govemment in the American system of checks and balances; and
WHEREAS, there have been examples of an escalating and partisan and Special interest bailie over American
courts; and
WHEREAS, the escalating partisan and special interest bailie over American courts are antithetical to the
judiciary's role In the American experiment In self-govemment; and
WHEREAS, as we celebrete Law Day 2003, we restate our convnitment to judicial independence as an
essential component of the rule of law and our dedication to ensuing fair and impartial judicial decision making under
federal and state constitutions as essential to American demoaacy, liberty and freedom; and
WHEREAS, Law Day' 2003 provides an opportunity to re-examine how we as a nation want our judiciary to
function, At a time when partisans and special interests try to shape a judiciary that is responsive to political
considerations above all ..lse;wlt'l1ave the responsibility to reafflnn our commitment to a truly independent third branch:
and .
WHEREAS, our renewed 'commitment to fudicial independence can be expressed through many actions, big
and small, ta!(en in local commu~ities and at the na,tionallevel, such as:
Defending the state and federal judges from unfair or unwarranted criticism, whether it be motivated by
partisanship, special interests or simply a misunderstanding of the role of the judiciary in our system of
government; and
Demanding adequate funding for court. systems so that jUl;lges have the resources to administer justice without .
undue delay or burden; and
Promoting new approaches to improving judicial elections, such as publiC financing of campaigns and voter
guides, that produce a beller~ucated electorate while reducing the influence of private contribution to judges;
and
Continuing to work towards' meril-based systems of appointing and retaining judges that provide an appropriate
balance of judicial independence and accountability to the public,
WHEREAS, as New Jersey Chief Justice Arthur T, Vanderbilt said in the last century, . Judicial refonn is no
sport for the short-winded,' Indeed, the theme of Law Day 2003 serves to remind us that the American experiment in self.
govemment requires constant vigilance,of purpose, especially when it comes to ensuring the continuing luster of the
crown jewel of our Republic, our uniquely .A,merican independent judiciary,
NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of Monroe County, Florida, I do hereby proclaim May
1., 2003 as
LAW DAY 2003
I urge the citizens, schools, businesses and media of the Florida Keys to use the occasion to dedicate themselves to
preserve and strengthen the rule of law and the independence of our courts,
G
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