In honor of Constitution Day, Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer of the Arizona Supreme Court released a statement reflecting on the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the importance of adherence to it for the safeguarding of democracy. The statement struck a chord as it was disseminated on September 17, the day commemorating the signing of the Constitution back in 1787.
Justice Timmer's sentiment, shared via a news release from the Arizona Supreme Court's administrative office, shed light on a conversation she had with her law clerks about the weight of the Constitution in under two minutes. In an era defined by condensed communication and bite-sized conveyance of complex subjects, Justice Timmer drew from a law professor's teaching, which involved referencing "The Odyssey" to encapsulate the dedication Americans must maintain towards their founding document. Timmer recounted that "Americans are often tempted by the Sirens' song—for example, shutting down unpopular speech; rushing to enter judgment against a person we think is guilty of a horrendous crime; or bypassing due process of law, or separation of powers to quickly achieve a popular result," according to the AZ Court statement.
Justice Timmer likened the Constitution to the mast to which Odysseus was bound, suggesting that staying true to it, even in the face of alluring but potentially destructive alternatives, is crucial for the survival of democracy. She emphasized that the "ropes that bind us are our deep-seated beliefs in liberty, equality, democracy, and justice for all," as quoted in her statement, according to the AZ Court. This analogy served to drive home her point about the Constitution's role as a guide and safeguard for American democratic values and legal processes.
Furthermore, Justice Timmer recognized the everyday importance of the Constitution and its foundational place in American life. She urged the public to give thought to the Constitution on a daily basis, noting that as "the oldest constitutional democracy in the world, our nation has been guided by this remarkable document—the shortest constitution in the world—since it began operating on March 4, 1789." As long as the nation stays tethered to the constitution, our democracy will remain strong, ensuring that the first three words of that document—"We The People"—continues to mean that government exists to serve all of us, and not the other way around," Timmer encapsulated, according to the AZ Court news release.
