Constitution Day, also known as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, is observed nationally on September 17 every year. In 2005, Congress mandated that schools receiving federal funding provide education about the Constitution to commemorate the principles and practices protected and provided for in the Constitution.
Federal Courts: Guardians of the Constitution
In this video, federal judges say their oath of office and explain what it means to them every time they take the bench. The oath is part of the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Fast Facts About the Federal Judges' Oath
What is the oath of office taken by Supreme Court Justices and Federal Judges?
"I, _________ (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm)
that I will administer justice without respect to persons,
and do equal right to the poor and to the rich,
and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform
all the duties incumbent upon me as a __________ (title)
under the Constitution and laws of the United States.
So help me God."
Who was the most recent Supreme Court Justice to take this oath?
Justice Elena Kagan was sworn in as the 112th Supreme Court Justice on August 7, 2010.
Who is credited with drafting the law that established the federal courts and the original judges' oath?
Oliver Ellsworth, was one of the framers of the Constitution. He drafted the Judiciary Act of 1789 that established the federal courts and the original judges' oath. He later became the third Chief Justice of the United States.
What Was the Judiciary Act of 1789 and Why Is it Still Important?
One of the first acts of the first Congress was to establish the federal court system.
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