All of Us Have a Role to Play in Making Civic Education a Priority

C. Ronald Baird
Baird, Lightner, Millsap & Harpool, PC
Springfield
Every morning, all across this country, lights slowly come on in our country’s courtrooms. It is the dawning of a new day of justice, from the U.S. Supreme Court to the small county and city courtrooms, sprinkled across this land, handling traffic tickets and small claims matters – all matters equally important in the eyes of justice. Regardless of the court, each citizen seeks fair and impartial resolution of their disputes. It is a routine that has been repeated endlessly throughout the course of our country’s history.

In most of these courtrooms hang portraits or photographs of past jurists who worked to apply the rule of law to the cases before them. If one could view the courtroom through their eyes over time, one wonders what they would see. One can visualize skilled lawyers arguing cases such as Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, or Miranda v. Arizona before the Supreme Court, or witness lawyers arguing for their client’s rights before a judge or jury in the lower courts. One would see now, and throughout the history of our country, oral arguments being presented on issues upon which the citizens of our nation hold differing, passionate views and positions.

The eyes of these former jurists would also have seen cases ranging from the election of the President of The United States to President Harry S. Truman attempting to seize the steel mills, for national security reasons, during the Korean conflict. Application of the rule of law during difficult times in our country’s history is what sets our country apart from others.

U. S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer acknowledges that the Supreme Court often accepts cases that are controversial. He notes that, after considerable debate and extensive briefing, members of the Court are typically as divided on these issues as are the people of our country. Yet the country moves forward and the rule of law is followed.

Chief Justice Michael Wolff of the Supreme Court of Missouri, during the recent enrollment ceremonies for new lawyers, reminded them that the human capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but the human inclination to do injustice to others makes democracy – and the rule of law – necessary.

The need for a strong and vibrant judiciary is as crucial now as it was when the founders were listing their grievances against King George III in the Declaration of Independence. These included the denial of trial by jury, pretended offenses tried in foreign jurisdictions, imposition of the king’s will on the judiciary, and control of the purse strings for judges.

In an earlier column, I wrote that we, as lawyers, have a clear understanding of the rule of law. What do you, as an individual, think it means? This is an important question, because we have been encouraged to educate the citizenry of this state and our nation on the rule of law.

U. S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy discussed the rule of law recently, stating that he believed it included three elements. One of those is that “(T)he Law is superior to, and thus binds, the government and all its officials.” His definition also confirmed the founding fathers’ belief that the Rule of Law “…must establish and safeguard the constitutional structures necessary to build a free society in which all citizens have a meaningful voice in shaping and enacting the rules that govern them.”

In order to safeguard the rule of law and the principles on which our democracy is founded, we must continue to educate ourselves and our communities. Civic education should be emphasized in our schools, and continue throughout our adult years. It should always be a prominent part of our culture.

As lawyers, we have an opportunity to make our country better and our democracy more vibrant. Each of us has a solid understanding of our Constitution and of the principles that are the foundation of our government. We need to share that knowledge.

Are you a member of a civic or social group? Why not volunteer to make a presentation that sheds some light on our heritage and the issues of the day? The range of civics topics is limitless – freedom of speech, the separation of powers, property rights, the development of women’s rights, and many more. Check The Missouri Bar’s new online civics library at www.mobar.org for topic ideas and background material.

Have you ever been to a local school board meeting? Or, are you a member of a school board? If civic education isn’t high on the agenda, who better than you – an attorney – to advocate for its importance?

The Missouri Bar provides students and teachers with outstanding civic education programs, lesson plans and professional development opportunities. As a member of the bar, you are in an excellent position to link local schools to these valuable resources. Again, the bar’s website includes descriptions of these programs and links to lessons.

The Missouri Bar is also highlighting each year Constitution Day (September) and Bill of Rights Day (December). Perhaps a presentation with your local legislator at a school or civic group would make a connection in your community.

The Internet, email, cell phones – these are all great ways of communicating. But none of these technologies has the impact of being in the presence of a lawyer who has the facts on her side and who is making a convincing argument. I don’t know who could argue against the need for civic education. I do hope I know a lot of lawyers who will argue on its behalf.