Ashbrook Addresses National Need for Continuing Legal Education

Shouldn’t lawyers and judges know our Constitution?

Unfortunately, we have clear evidence that Constitutional understanding is not a prerequisite for judgeship. At a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing, a nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington was stumped by basic questions about the Constitution.

There was a time when every middle and high schooler in America learned the U.S. Constitution, something some of our judges don’t know today.

So Ashbrook is launching a new initiative to add to our educational programs and classroom resources for students and teachers. We are offering continuing legal education on the U.S. Constitution and its importance in American history.

Our first course was held just a few days before the aforementioned Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing. During the course on Abraham Lincoln and Executive Power, the participants – who were legal professionals – gathered around the seminar table to carefully read and discuss the Constitution and other primary documents. They not only refreshed their memory about the specific structure and powers contained in the Constitution but also explored the foundations of that structure. For example, they studied the Declaration of Independence so that they could understand the principles of self-government animating the Constitution and supporting our Republic.

At the conclusion of the seminar, one participant told us he gained “a renewed perspective on the Constitution.”

That’s a testament to the importance of Ashbrook’s Continuing Legal Education program and a step in the right direction for America.  

If you or someone you know is interested in Continuing Legal Education through Ashbrook, please contact Josh Distel at jdistel@ashbrook.org.