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Governor, Chief Justice invite public to Constitution Day event celebrating Magna Carta

Posted: Monday, August 17, 2015

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On Thursday, September 17, Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea, and community leaders from across Minnesota will host a special Constitution Day event to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. The event, which is free and open to the public and media, will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. Free tickets to the event can be reserved by visiting www.mnhs.org or by calling the Minnesota Historical Society at (651) 259-3015.

“For 800 years, Magna Carta has stood as an enduring symbol for the ideals of justice, the rule of law, and self-governance,” said Chief Justice Gildea. “Many of the rights and freedoms that are granted to us in our state and national constitutions today can trace their origins to Magna Carta. On this Constitution Day, Governor Dayton and I welcome the people of Minnesota to join us as we recognize the lasting impact of Magna Carta, and celebrate the rights and freedoms we enjoy through our Constitution.”
 
This year marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, a charter sealed by King John of England at Runnymede, near Windsor, in 1215. Magna Carta has been called the “foundation of liberty” for its role in establishing the rule of law and imposing limitations on the power of the king.
 
Throughout 2015, events are being held across the world to celebrate and commemorate this important historical manuscript. As part of this global celebration, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has partnered with a broad coalition of legal and civic organizations to bring a special exhibit titled, “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy,” to Minnesota for visitors to view during the September 17 event.
 
The exhibit, which was developed by the American Bar Association and the Law Library of Congress, features spectacular images of Magna Carta and related precious manuscripts, books, and other documents from all areas of the Library of Congress’s collections. These images and the accompanying text relate the story of Magna Carta and its role as a catalyst for the rule of law in a way that underscores the modern-day relevance of Magna Carta for viewers of all ages.
 
The traveling exhibit will be displayed alongside several historic artifacts related to Minnesota’s Constitution from the collection of the Minnesota Historical Society.
 
The Constitution Day event will also include a short program featuring remarks from Gov. Dayton, Chief Justice Gildea, and David Mao, Deputy Librarian of Congress, with a special welcome from Minnesota Historical Society Deputy Director Dennis Meissner. The program will begin at 6 p.m.
 
While the event is free, space is limited and visitors are required to reserve tickets for the event by visiting www.mnhs.org or by calling (651) 259-3015. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
The September 17 reception at the History Center is just one of several ways Minnesota is celebrating Magna Carta:
 
  • On September 17 at noon, the Caux Round Table will hold a special program titled, “The Magna Carta Remembered: 800 Years of Seeking Common Ground Under the Rule of Law” at the University Club of St. Paul. The event will feature a discussion on the Magna Carta with Minnesota Supreme Court Justice G. Barry Anderson and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson. Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.cauxroundtable.org.
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court Historical SocietyLearning Law and Democracy, and the Minnesota Historical Society are teaming up to offer “Constitution Week” events September 14-18 for teachers and students. Teachers can find free online resources to help teach about the Constitution, and students and teachers can be part of a statewide Twitter event, #MNCONSTWEEK, to learn more about the Constitution. More details about the Constitution Week events are available at http://education.mnhs.org/constitution-week.
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society is also sponsoring an essay contest related to the Magna Carta for high school juniors and seniors.  Winners receive a $500 scholarship. More information about the contest will be posted soon at http://www.mncourthistory.org.
  • Following the History Center event on September 17, the “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy” traveling exhibit will be on display at the Minnesota State Law Library in St. Paul. The exhibit will be available for free, self-guided tours during regular library hours between September 18 and October 2.
More information about the events detailed above is available at www.mncourts.gov/magnacarta