Benjamin Franklin knew we would have to protect our Constitution. That is why he when he was leaving the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, this was his response when he was asked about the form of government the United States would have:
“A Republic, if you can keep it.”
We believe in the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of North Carolina. As attorneys, we swear an oath to protect and defend them: I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina and to the Constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof; and that I will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said state, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States, to the best of my knowledge and ability; so help me God. - North Carolina State Bar, Oath of Office as an Attorney at Law
“Trial by jury in civil cases is as essential to secure the liberty of the people as any one of the preexistent rights of nature.”
Pick a Constitutional right that’s important to you. You may be passionate about your freedom to practice your religion. You may be passionate about the free press. You may be passionate about your right to bear arms. We are, too. But the Seventh Amendment, your right to a jury trial when someone has harmed you or violated your rights, protects them all.
What makes Jurors So Special?
Did you know that Jurors are Constitutional Officers? Along with voting, your right to serve on a jury is an essential component of our participatory democracy. You cannot have a jury trial without jurors. Learn more about why jury trials and jurors are so important:
And it can be a rewarding experience. Jurors' Survey after completing Jury Service:
The Independence of the Judiciary
Judicial independence is essential to the courts' integrity and credibility within a democracy. Judges should be free to make their rulings without fear or favor.“Judicial independence does not just happen all by itself,” associate Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O’Connor wrote in 2008. “It is tremendously hard to create, and easier than most people imagine to destroy.”
Helping Teachers Teach
The Teachers Law School is a presentation of the ABOTA Foundation. It is designed to provide middle and high school teachers with valuable civics and law-related education so they, in turn, can help their students better understand and appreciate the value, relevance and impact of the Constitution, our system of government, and citizenship.