Law Day Promotes the Rule of Law

May 1 is Law Day in the United States, a day to reflect on what the rule of law has meant to the development of our nation and the continuing role it plays.

For example, why does the Constitution grant life tenure during good behavior to federal judges? The Founders knew that various political majorities might try to adversely affect minorities, and life tenure was provided to reinforce judges’ protection from majority pressures.

The Founders knew that judges would sometimes have to make unpopular decisions on some of the most controversial issues of the day and, in light of this, they thought that federal judges should be isolated as much as possible from political and social pressures.

There are lots of other Law Day topics that can enhance appreciation for the rule of law.