Those Darned Supremes.
Back when I was working as a law clerk for a federal judge, part of my job was to open court with the words "Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, holding a regular session in Beaumont Texas, is now open according to law. God save this court and these United States."
Tradition requires that one bow one's head while saying that last line. Because it's a prayer. The Supreme Court of the United States opened court this morning with a similar prayer, and then held (in a split decision) that the Constitution prohibits the display of the Ten Commandments in the courtroom. Something about an impermissible endorsement of religion or something.
Tradition requires that one bow one's head while saying that last line. Because it's a prayer. The Supreme Court of the United States opened court this morning with a similar prayer, and then held (in a split decision) that the Constitution prohibits the display of the Ten Commandments in the courtroom. Something about an impermissible endorsement of religion or something.
posted by Jack | 8:31 AM
8 Comments:
Isn't it ironic?
I was also wondering what you thought about the Court's decision regarding personal property seizures.
"God save this Court" could refer to any Higher Power. It does not endorse any particular religion on its face. Given the Judeo-Christian in the US and England, the origin is probably based in Christianity. This would be similar to swearing under oath. Back when people believed in God, you could go to hell for lying in court. Nonetheless, it is arguable that this phrase would only be offensive to an aetheist. It is distinguishable from the Ten Commandments, which is indeed an endorsement of Judaism and Christianity.
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This time it was:
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