Constitution Day Lecture to Examine Immigration Rights and Constitutional Limits
Table of Contents
- 1. Constitution Day Lecture to Examine Immigration Rights and Constitutional Limits
- 2. A Tradition of Constitutional Inquiry
- 3. Lee gelernt: A Frontline Advocate
- 4. The Enduring Relevance of the Constitution
- 5. The ongoing Debate Over Constitutional Interpretation
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About Constitution Day
- 7. What specific constitutional law issues will the speaker address during the Constitution day observance?
- 8. Top ACLU Lawyer to Speak at Michigan Law for Constitution Day Observance
- 9. Renowned Legal Scholar to Address Students adn Faculty
- 10. speaker background: A Champion of Civil Rights
- 11. Event Details & Constitution Day Importance
- 12. Why Constitution Day Matters
- 13. The ACLU’s Role in Constitutional Law
- 14. Michigan Law’s Commitment to Public Service
- 15. Resources for Further Learning
Ann Arbor, Michigan – The University of Michigan Law School will host its annual Constitution Day lecture on September 16th, featuring Lee Gelernt, Deputy Director of the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants’ Rights Project. The event, free and open to the public, will address critical questions concerning constitutional rights in the context of current immigration policies. The lecture will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Hutchins Hall 100 and will be recorded for later public access.
A Tradition of Constitutional Inquiry
For two decades,the Law School has been central to the University’s commemoration of Constitution Day, a federally mandated observance since 2004. Professor Richard Friedman,the Alene and Allan F. smith Professor of Law and a noted scholar of US Supreme Court history, has been instrumental in organizing these events.Professor Friedman noted the inherent irony of questioning the constitutionality of a federal mandate requiring Constitution Day celebrations, but affirmed the importance of such an examination.
“It’s appropriate for a leading educational institution to dedicate time to considering issues related to the Constitution,” Professor Friedman stated. “We are facing a particularly meaningful moment, marked by extensive litigation challenging the constitutionality of current administrative actions.”
Lee gelernt: A Frontline Advocate
Lee Gelernt is a highly respected figure in public interest law, known for arguing several landmark cases before the US Supreme Court and testifying before both houses of Congress. He currently leads the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the ACLU, where he is deeply involved in several high-profile legal challenges.
One significant case involves a challenge to the Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Recently, a federal appeals court sided wiht Gelernt’s argument, ruling against the administration’s attempts to utilize the Act to deport individuals linked to a Venezuelan gang.This marks a critical victory for advocates defending due process rights.
| Case | Legal Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge to Alien Enemies Act | Use of the Act to deport individuals | Appeals court ruled against administration |
| Ongoing Immigration Cases | Constitutional rights of immigrants | Pending litigation |
Gelernt also serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and a visiting professor at Yale Law School, sharing his expertise with future generations of legal professionals.
Did You Know? The Alien Enemies act of 1798 allows the president to deport any non-citizen deemed dangerous to the security of the United states during times of war. Its application has been historically controversial.
The Enduring Relevance of the Constitution
Professor Friedman emphasized the lasting importance of the Constitution as a foundational document. “We’ve operated under a written constitution for almost 240 years,” he explained. “While constitutional law can be ambiguous and reflect varying values, it remains a potent force in our nation’s governance and well-being.”
Pro Tip: To learn more about the U.S. Constitution, explore resources from the National Archives and Records Administration: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs.
He hopes attendees will gain a greater understanding of the Constitution’s role and essential principles, recognizing the importance of informed citizenship in a democracy.
The ongoing Debate Over Constitutional Interpretation
The interpretation of the U.S. Constitution is a continually evolving process, shaped by societal changes, legal precedents, and differing judicial philosophies. Landmark court cases consistently redefine the scope of constitutional rights and limitations.Understanding these shifts is crucial for any citizen engaged in civic discourse. The ongoing discussions surrounding issues like immigration, privacy, and freedom of speech underscore the Constitution’s enduring relevance and the inherent complexities of its application in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions About Constitution Day
What aspects of constitutional law are most relevant to current events in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What specific constitutional law issues will the speaker address during the Constitution day observance?
Top ACLU Lawyer to Speak at Michigan Law for Constitution Day Observance
Renowned Legal Scholar to Address Students adn Faculty
On September 17th, 2025, the University of Michigan Law School will host a constitution Day observance featuring a keynote address by[InsertACLULawyerSNameandTitleHere-[InsertACLULawyerSNameandTitleHere-research needed]. This event promises a compelling discussion on current constitutional law issues, civil liberties, and the ongoing relevance of the U.S. Constitution.The event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with a leading voice in legal advocacy.
speaker background: A Champion of Civil Rights
[Insert ACLU Lawyer’s Name] is a nationally recognized expert in[Specificareaofconstitutionallaw-[Specificareaofconstitutionallaw-research needed, e.g., First Amendment rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights]. Their work at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been instrumental in shaping legal precedent and protecting fundamental freedoms.
Key Cases: [List2-3notablecasesthelawyerhasbeeninvolvedin-[List2-3notablecasesthelawyerhasbeeninvolvedin-research needed]. These cases demonstrate a commitment to defending individual rights against government overreach.
Publications: [Mentionanynotablepublicationsorlegalarticlesauthoredbythespeaker-[Mentionanynotablepublicationsorlegalarticlesauthoredbythespeaker-research needed]. This highlights their scholarly contributions to the field of constitutional law.
Awards & Recognition: [Listanyawardsorrecognitionreceivedbythespeaker-[Listanyawardsorrecognitionreceivedbythespeaker-research needed]. This establishes their credibility and expertise.
Event Details & Constitution Day Importance
The Constitution Day observance at michigan Law is a yearly tradition commemorating the signing of the U.S.Constitution on September 17, 1787. This year’s event will be held in[LocationatMichiganLaw-[LocationatMichiganLaw-research needed]from[Time-[Time-research needed]to[Time-[Time-research needed].
Why Constitution Day Matters
Constitution Day provides a crucial opportunity to:
Reflect on Constitutional Principles: Examine the core values enshrined in the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process.
Engage in Civic education: Promote understanding of the Constitution and its impact on daily life.
Discuss Contemporary Challenges: Analyze how constitutional principles apply to modern issues like digital privacy, immigration, and national security.
Promote Civic Engagement: encourage active participation in the democratic process.
The ACLU’s Role in Constitutional Law
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plays a vital role in safeguarding constitutional rights. Founded in 1920, the ACLU has been at the forefront of numerous landmark legal battles, including:
- Protecting Free Speech: defending the right to express unpopular opinions, even those that are offensive to some.
- Advancing Criminal Justice Reform: Challenging unjust sentencing laws and advocating for fair treatment within the criminal justice system.
- Fighting for Voting Rights: ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all citizens.
- Defending Privacy rights: Protecting individuals from unwarranted government surveillance.
Michigan Law’s Commitment to Public Service
the University of Michigan Law School has a long-standing tradition of public service and commitment to social justice. The event with the ACLU lawyer aligns with the school’s mission to educate future leaders who will advocate for a more just and equitable society. Students actively participate in pro bono work, legal clinics, and advocacy programs, gaining practical experience in constitutional law and civil rights litigation.
Resources for Further Learning
The U.S. Constitution: [Link to the official Constitution: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript]
The ACLU Website: [Link to the ACLU website: https://www.aclu.org/]
Michigan Law School: [Link to Michigan law school website: https://law.umich.edu/]
* Constitution Day Resources: [Link to a relevant Constitution Day resource, e.g., National Constitution Center: https://constitutioncenter.org/]
