On June 15, 1215, Magna Carta was sealed. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of this historic day, the American Bar Association has organized a year of events which began last August with remarks from Chief Justice John Roberts. He explained that Magna Carta "contains only suggestions of what we now regard as fundamental freedoms," such as due process, trial by jury, representative government, along with the basic principle that no one is above the law. Fiona Woolf, former Lord Mayor of London, echoed the significance of Magna Carta when she described it as "the single most important legal document in history. The foundation for global constitutions, commerce and communities. The anchor for the Rule of Law."
As we approach Law Day on May 1, we have the opportunity to reflect on whether we as attorneys — and as a community, state and country — are ensuring the "fundamental freedoms" embodied in the iconic document we celebrate. While we certainly have made huge strides over the past eight centuries, current events show that we continue to face significant challenges related to political divisions, racial tensions and economic disparities. For many, these issues raise questions about whether elected officials truly represent their constituents, whether governmental officials operate within the law and whether our institutions provide equal access to essential resources.
Chief Justice Roberts addressed at least some of these issues when he said, "We live in an era in which sharp political divides within our political branches have shaken public faith in government across the board." To help restore the ideals of representative government and the rule of law, members of the judiciary, "can bolster public confidence by exercising independent judgment to reach sound decisions carefully explained to the best of [their] ability."But attorneys must also take action. As Chief Justice Roberts stated, "When lawyers fulfill their professional calling to its fullest extent, they rise above particular partisan debates and participate as problem solvers, whether through the ABA's committees, through pro bono work, through public service or simply by helping the public understand the nature of the role the courts play in civic life, a role distinct from that of the political branches."
In many ways, the members of the Utah State Bar are accepting the chief justice's challenge. The bar offers a Modest Means Lawyer Referral Program which refers people of modest incomes to attorneys who are willing to work at reduced rates. The bar also has a pro bono program, and many attorneys donate their time to increase access to the legal system. Bar sections and committees provide critical legal services to and collaborate with elected officials to ensure that legislation complies with constitutional rights and principles. For more information about these programs and Magna Carta, please visit www.utahbar.org or the Law Day Special Edition in Sunday's paper.
But we can do more.
As Chief Justice Roberts encouraged, we can educate community members about the role of the law in their daily lives. We can reinforce trust in our public servants and at the same time advance the ideal that the law applies to everyone. We can be consistent examples of professionalism, honesty, integrity and civility. We can take action to increase diversity and inclusion at the different levels of our economic, political and legal systems. In short, we can each encourage the rule of law in our own spheres of influence and in our own unique ways.
And as we do, we can refer back to Magna Carta as a source of the "fundamental freedoms" that we hope to protect and promote.
Melinda Bowen is president of the Utah Minority Bar Association.