[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 86 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23825-23826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11191]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 86 / Monday, May 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 23825]]


                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.

[[Page 23826]]

                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

[FR Doc. 03-11191
Filed 5-2-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P