Date:
9/10/2008
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 575.562.2253
PORTALES—Eastern New Mexico University in Portales will observe the federally-mandated-for-schools Constitution Day with a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 in the Becky Sharp Auditorium in the College of Business. (Constitution Day is officially Sept. 17.)
Donald Elder III, professor of history, Steven Palmer, assistant professor of law, and Sue Strickler, professor of political science, will present the past, present and future of the Constitution, with an emphasis on the Supreme Court’s role in determining the meaning of the Constitution.
“Every citizen should know and understand their rights and obligations under the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the focus because it is the ultimate decider of what the Constitution means,” Palmer said.
He will talk about what the condition of the Constitution is in the 21st century with emphasis on Bush vs. Gore, the unitary presidency, Patriot Act, and habeas corpus. He will also discuss the current justices’ political views.
Elder will discuss how the Constitution has developed since its creation in 1787. He will point out major Supreme Court decisions that have helped define the Constitution.
Strickler will talk about the constitutional issues anticipated to come before the court in the future. She will also discuss how the makeup of the court is likely to change over the next four to eight years.
“All students, especially during an election year, need to understand the Constitution. The outcome of the election may influence both, the Supreme Court and the Constitution,” said Palmer.
The meeting is open to the public free of charge.
For more information, call Palmer at 575.562.2542.