Colorado
Colorado and El Paso County
Constitution Day
September 17 is Constitution Day. It is the day on which our Federal Government has mandated that public schools
across the country must set aside time to educate students about the Constitution ((118 Stat. 3344) Dec. 8, 2004
Public Law 108-447 Sec. 111 Division J – SEC. 111 (b)) I am not one much in favor of federal mandates but
this is one I am do support. If you feel like me, then help me get the word out to every concerned person or group.
This is not a partisan pitch. This is an opportunity to come together. Libertarian, Democrat, Republican or other
does not make a difference. Anyone so inclined is encouraged to participate.
Materials are available, but not necessary. Liberty Lives Forever makes available Constitution booklets with
teaching materials (mini-flash cards are included). The booklets cost $1 each, plus shipping. But do not let cost
interfere. You do not need anything but a willing desire to educate our future about our most fundamental
document, the Constitution. This is about education not money. This is about citizenship, not a materials company.
So get in touch with your school and see what they are doing and what you can do. Encourage participation by
schools and citizens.
You may talk directly with the Colorado State organizer Andy MCKean at 636-244-0652 for more information
DA’s Office Adopt a High School Program
Concept: To eventually assign a Deputy District Attorney to each high school in Jefferson County to serve as a liaison between the high school and the DA’s Office and to assist in presenting educational programming.
Initial steps: During the 2019-2020 school year start a pilot program at 3 or 4 Jefferson County High Schools to test out the program. One Deputy DA will volunteer to be assigned to each of those high schools. He or she will work with the school administration and school resource officer to develop and present appropriate programming to be shared with the high school students and parents.
Programming ideas:
Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day). It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 (Public Law 108-447. III (a)). Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as “Citizenship Day”. In addition to renaming the holiday “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,” the act mandates that all education institutions that receive Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.
The Deputy DA will work with the school and the Liberty Lives Forever organization to supply pocket size copies of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution and develop an appropriate educational program to be presented on September 17, or during that week.
Law Day, held annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958 to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day, which is subsequently codified (U.S. Code, Title 36, Section 113). Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.
The Colorado Courts each year puts on Law Day programming. This is done as part of the Colorado Judicial Department’s Courts in the Community program, which was initiated by the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals on Law Day (May 1), 1986. Deputy District Attorney Steve Jensen argued the first case ever heard in a high school (Cherry Creek HS), as part of the Court’s inaugural Law Day activities.
The Deputy DA will work with the school and the Colorado Judicial Department’s Courts in the Community program to develop and present programming in honor of Law Day.
Substance Abuse Education Programming. The problem of substance use and abuse amongst high school students is always a concern to the schools and parents. This is a growing problem with the legalization of marijuana, the opioid addiction crisis, and the expanding decriminalization of other controlled substances. Efforts to educate and encourage young people to act responsibly with respect to the use of substances, especially when done in conjunction with driving or other activities, have been long recognized as important in keeping high school students safe.
The Deputy DA will work with the school and the school resource officer to develop programming for high school students and parents concerning substance use and abuse education. Programming directed toward parents may include education about the importance of disposing of prescription medications and signs of substance use and treatment resources.
Assist with mock trial teams. The Deputy DA can assist in coaching and advising mock trial teams at the high school.
Assist with mentoring. The Deputy DA can be a resource to assist high school students interested in pursuing the practice of law.
Steve Jensen
Chief Deputy District Attorney
1st Judicial District
500 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80401-6020
Office phone: 303-271-6821