Help Support the State Bar's Public Education Initiative

Dear Fellow Bar Members,

Over the past four years, the State Bar of Georgia has invested significant effort and financial resources into an ambitious public education initiative, the Cornerstones of Freedom^SM program. The goal is simple and focused: to spread the truth about how the justice system operates and the important role of judges, jurors and lawyers in making America's constitutional democracy work.

The most significant -- and most expensive -- component of the Cornerstones of Freedom^SM program is the series of public awareness messages you are now seeing and hearing broadcast regularly on television and radio stations all over Georgia. The response from lawyers and the general public alike to these values-based messages has been overwhelmingly positive.

Also receiving positive reviews from lawyers, judges and the public is our new juror education video, "Ensuring Fairplay the American Way." Featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Leah Sears and three actual Georgia jurors, this presentation is being shown to prospective jurors in courthouses throughout the state. It is also useful for classroom and civic club presentations.

In addition, we have produced a new tool to enhance the education of Georgia students in the areas of civics and the justice system. An 18-minute video presentation, "Trial By Jury: What's the Big Deal?", has been approved by the state Department of Education for use in high school classrooms and for summer training for teachers of civics. The animated presentation reviews the history and importance of trial by jury as it pertains to the Magna Carta, the Star Chamber, the trial of William Penn, the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Defending the Cornerstones of Freedom^SM is not a short-term task. It will require an institutional commitment by the State Bar leadership and broad support from the membership for the program to succeed in raising public awareness about the essential role of lawyers, judges and jurors in preserving American constitutional values and the rule of law. We need the committed and constant involvement of all Georgia lawyers in this ongoing effort.

Therefore, we are making this special request for your personal support for the Cornerstones of Freedom^SM program. The Bar leadership needs your feedback on the current public awareness messages. We solicit your ideas for keeping our message fresh, relevant and on target. Last, but certainly not least, we invite your financial support through the Legislative & Public Education Fund on your 2008-09 dues statement.

Thank you for all you do to support the State Bar's vital mission of preserving fair and impartial courts and the rule of law. Standing together, Georgia's lawyers can make a difference.

Jeff Bramlett, President 2008-09

Gerald Edenfield, President 2007-08
Jay Cook, President 2006-07
Robert Ingram, President 2005-06
Rob Reinhardt, President 2004-05