Archives for November 2014

Sarah Hale’s Letter and Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

In October, 1863, Sarah J. Hale’s fifteen year effort to have the last Thursday of November become a nationally recognized day of Thanksgiving became a reality when, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in response to Ms. Hale’s letter.  Ms. Hale is often referred to as the Godmother of […]

Sixth Amendment’s Public Trial: From Communal Duty to Accused’s Right

The Constitution’s Bill of Rights contains many procedural protections for those the government accuses of having committed a crime.  Among them is the Sixth Amendment right to a “public trial”.  The provision is stated: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a… public trial” The concept of a public trial is ancient, but it did […]

Sixth Amendment’s Speedy Trial Right: Ancient, Worthy and Elusive

The Constitution’s Bill of Rights contains many protections for those the government accuses of having committed a crime.  Among them is the Sixth Amendment right to a “speedy trial”.  The provision is stated: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy … trial” The right may has old roots and […]