[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