A Federal Judge provides lessons on the Constitution, our legal system, and virtue
Anthem Prep students learn about the Constitution, our justice system, and virtues from a federal district court judge.
Last month, Anthem Preparatory School was honored to welcome a distinguished federal judge to speak with our students about the role of the U.S. Constitution in shaping the freedoms we enjoy today. With a career in law that began over 30 years ago, this judge has presided over numerous trials, and his experiences provided a deep insight into the inner workings of our justice system.
As a district court judge, his responsibilities include conducting trials—of which there have been approximately 650 across the country in his career. He explained that above his court is the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and should a party disagree with the ruling from this court, they have the right to appeal their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the Senate.
The judge highlighted the unique and precious nature of our system of government, describing it as the "most rare, precious, and fragile" form of governance. He acknowledged that while our nation is far from perfect, it represents an ongoing effort to uphold the principles of justice and freedom. He emphasized that this system, although imperfect, has afforded us rights and protections that have a lasting impact on our daily lives.
He discussed key freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, which was ratified in 1788. Students learned that the first ten amendments enshrine essential liberties, including religious freedom, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair and speedy trial. The judge noted that 13 of the 23 stated rights apply to individuals accused of crimes, underscoring the importance of ensuring justice and fairness for all.
In a striking reflection on justice, the judge reminded students that "it is more important that a guilty person go free than for an innocent person to be punished for something they didn’t do." This core principle of our legal system helps to safeguard against wrongful convictions and reinforces the value of protecting individual rights.
In closing, the judge offered advice that resonated with our students: live a virtuous life. As they prepare for the future, his words provide a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, responsibility, and service to others.
Through this visit, our students gained a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution and its role in protecting our freedoms. They left with a renewed sense of responsibility as future citizens and leaders, inspired to uphold the values of justice and freedom in their own lives.
