On Sept. 17, 1787, the founding fathers of the United States signed the Constitution, establishing a foundation for federal law across the country.
238 years later, the Emory community will come together to study those lasting words — and the many amendments since — on Constitution Day, a nationally-observed celebration of the document and its importance to American life.
Led by Emory Law, events across campus include library exhibits, a Wonderful Wednesday celebration with pocket Constitution giveaways, and webinar discussions.
Kenyatta Greer, director of communications at Emory Law, is looking forward to both the community events and the rich legal conversations.
“Constitution Day is a national recognition, and it only makes sense that the law school should participate locally in the discussion,” Greer says. “This foundational document is still worthy of constant consideration, as its impact and evolution affect the lives of every person in this country. To organize this series of events in collaboration with colleagues around the campus makes this more than a convening of great minds; it makes it a fellowship of learners.”
Here is how you can get involved in Emory’s Constitution Day festivities:
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Puzzles, pictures, pocket Constitutions and paraphernalia10 a.m., Woodruff and MacMillan Law Libraries
Visit Level 2 of the Woodruff Library to experience puzzles, coloring books, pocket Constitutions and items from the collection on citizenship, the Constitution, naturalization and more. Pocket Constitutions can also be found on the second floor of the MacMillan Law Library.
Wonderful Wednesday
12 p.m., Emory Student Center Promenade and McDonough Plaza
Wonderful Wednesday is a weekly celebration that allows students, staff and all members of the Emory community to gather together for food, fun and special themed events. Pocket versions of the U.S. Constitution will be available on a first come, first served basis.
“Originalism vs. the Living Constitution” webinar
12:10 p.m., online
Darren Hutchinson, professor of law and John Lewis Chair for Civil Rights and Social Justice, and Sasha Volokh, professor of law, will discuss the U.S. Constitution's evolution. The talk will be moderated by Ed Lee III, senior director in Emory College of Arts and Sciences and former senior director emeritus of the Alben W. Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation and Dialogue. One credit hour for continuing law education (CLE) is available for this event. Registration is required. Free and open to all.
Thursday, Sept. 18
“Checks and Balances and the Power of the Purse” discussion5:30 p.m., online
Matt Lawrence, associate dean of faculty and professor of law, will participate in a conversation titled “Checks and Balances and the Power of the Purse” with Edward L. Queen, associate teaching professor and director of the D. Abbott Turner Program in Ethics and Servant Leadership, on the ethical perspectives of federal spending. The discussion is moderated by Joanna Shepherd, Emory Law vice dean and Thomas Simmons Professor of Law. One credit hour for CLE, including a half-hour for ethics, is available for this event. Registration is required. Free and open to all.