Federal Judge Stephen P. Friot Gives Thoughts on the Intersection of the Constitution and Citizenship

On September 17, 1787, the founders signed the United States Constitution. For the past 233 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of our country. Along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, the Constitution defines our system of government and secures rights first set forth in the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of this remarkable document and its unmeasurable impact on human history, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17. This event reminds Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and celebrates those who, by nature or by choice, are American citizens.

Few Americans are more closely situated at the intersection of the Constitution and citizenship than our federal judges. In addition to their judicial obligations, federal judges preside over ceremonies that welcome as citizens those who have undertaken the arduous naturalization process. For this Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Pierce Couch Attorney Jerry Green sat down with Senior United States District Judge Stephen P. Friot to discuss Judge Friot’s views on the role of the Constitution in American life and the joys of United States citizenship.