Drafted in the fall of 1787 and ratified nine months later, the U.S. Constitution has served as America’s spine for more than two centuries — offering writ and regulation for every citizen in the country, regardless of caste.
Two-hundred-and-thirty-five years later, in the heart of Christian County’s Judicial Center, noted dignitaries gathered Thursday afternoon and took turns reading the document and its 27 amendments word-for-word — never skipping a sentence.
John Atkins, chief judge for the 3rd Judicial Circuit, called the document “living and breathing,” in what’s a common turn of phrase for the oldest code of force in the world.
While the original script and its seven articles addressed many early concerns in America’s gestation and set the standard for branches of government, the formation of states and supreme law — it was imperfect.
Article V allows for amendments, and from The Bill of Rights to Amendment 27 — suggested in 1789 and ratified in 1992 — change is sometimes necessary.
Asked if he’d like to see any changes to the document, Atkins offered a unique perspective.
Perhaps the most-often referred to words in the Constitution, Assistant Christian County Attorney Katherine Foster read Amendments No. 1 and No. 2.
Andrew Self, judge for the 3rd Judicial Circuit, voiced the popular 21st Amendment, in what served as a repeal of the 18th Amendment — better known as Prohibition.
Self also read the Preamble, in what’s often memorized in history classes worldwide.
This annual tradition in Christian County coincides with the yearly Kentucky Bar Association Convention.
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