    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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,

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    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