[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 18 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Pages 512-513]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7670--Law Day, U.S.A., 2003

April 30, 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.

[[Page 513]]

    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.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 2, 2003]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 1, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
5.