Several Georgia Supreme Court justices and the Judicial Council of Georgia will observe Constitution Day with a live YouTube panel.

The live-streamed moderated discussion will take place at the Supreme Court of Georgia with Georgia State University Constitutional Law Professor Anthony Michael Kreis, Georgia Supreme Court Justices Charlie Bethel and Verda Colvin. People can join the discussion at 11 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2024, on the Judicial Council YouTube Channel by watching here:https://www.youtube.com/@JudicialCouncilofGeorgia 

Constitution Day, held every year on Sept. 17, is designated by the federal government to recognize the adoption of the United States Constitution and to celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. It marks the day after the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787, when the Constitution was signed by 39 delegates.

On that same day, founder Ben Franklin was reportedly asked by Elizabeth Willing Powel, “Do we have a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

Because civics education and awareness has waned in recent decades, the Judicial Council of Georgia wishes to engage people about what the Constitution says and how U.S. branches of government fit into the core mission of that document. Inspired by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who founded iCivics and championed civics engagement throughout her life, the court has been engaging with the public on civics issues for several years. 

Last May, the Judicial Council hosted a Law Day Art Contest with the theme being Voices of Democracy. The agency received hundreds of submissions of uplifting and beautiful art from young Georgia students.

For more information, the public can write [email protected].