James Otis Lecture 2017 (Full Program) - Episode 1

The South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SC ABOTA) presents the Ninth Annual James Otis Lecture Series in observance of National Constitution Day. The topic for the 2017 James Otis Lecture is the “Separation of Powers and the Judges’ Role in our Constitutional System.”

Broadcast from the South Carolina State House, the program’s featured speaker will be U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel. In addition, SC Court of Appeals Judge Aphrodite Konduros will speak on the separation of powers. Two students from every high school in our state have been invited to be in attendance and recognized as James Otis Scholars.

The James Otis Lecture is the American Board of Trial Advocates’ contribution to our state’s education system whereby they hold a program every year around Constitution Day. For federally funded schools, it is a federal mandate to have a program every year on or around Constitution Day, which is officially September 17.

Standards

• USG.1.IN Interpret founding documents and principles that led to the creation of the American constitutional democracy.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the crucial events and conflicts that led to the ratification of the United States Constitution. This indicator also encourages inquiry into the major debates and compromises at the Constitutional Convention and how economic, political, and social goals impacted the formation of the new government.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how the American idea of constitutional government has distinctively shaped American society. Further inquiry into this indicator focuses on the extent to which the Constitution is a living docume
• USG.3.IN Interpret how American political beliefs are shaped by the founding principles, core values, and changing demographics of America, and how those beliefs led to the creation of ideological trends which affect public policy over time.
• USG.4.IN Distinguish between various economic, personal, and political rights of citizens in the U.S., and how these rights can sometimes conflict with each other.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how individuals become citizens in the U.S. and how the U.S. has expanded and limited citizenship over time. Further, examination promotes inquiry into the rights and responsibilities held by citizens of the U.S.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how individual rights have evolved through social movements, constitutional provisions, and landmark legislation. Further investigation prompts inquiry into how marginalized Americans have struggl