2008 Woodie Awards
Kentucky Supreme Court Judge speaks at local school
Megan Locke
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: News
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The history department sponsored the presentation, and Cunningham addressed the topic "Standing for Justice: The Supreme Court in Kentucky."
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Cunningham pointed out the pledge ends with the words "justice for all." He emphasized the importance of justice in the United States throughout his presentation.
"We really don't understand what it means," he said. "Each time we say it, we pledge ourselves to justice for all. We should all have a passion for justice."
The 2008 presidential election is also an example of justice in this country, Cunningham said.
"We had two outstanding candidates," he said.
Cunningham said Republican candidate John McCain endured "torture and brutality" as a prisoner of war and "continued to contribute to this country" after his return to the States.
"There were many reasons to vote for him for president," he said. "The race of his opponent was not one of them."
He mentioned many people he knew were hesitate to vote for Barack Obama based on his race alone.
"We have a lot of work in this country (to ensure) justice for all," Cunningham said.
Cunningham also addressed the amendments to the United States Constitution, and how such amendments contribute to justice.
The Fourth Amendment, which guarantees protection for illegal searches and seizures, is also tied to the due process clause of the United States Constitution.
"Every home has equal protection," he said. "(The Fourth Amendment) is the one place where everyone is equal."
Even with the justice provided for by both the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions, many things still endanger justice.
"Money still has an influence in the system," he said. "We still experience (divisive) influence (because of) money."
The poor can still not obtain the same resources as the rich, such as the quality of representation in court or other opportunities, Cunningham said.
The community citizens are responsible for protecting the court system, Cunningham said. He said people can help protect the court system by asking questions, electing good judicial officials, supporting non-partisan judicial races, serving jury duty and discouraging the media from trying cases in the court of public opinion.
Cunningham is the author of several books on western Kentucky. One of his books, "On Bended Knees," might make it on the big screen in a film version, he said.
Cunningham has served the First Supreme Court District in Kentucky since his election in November 2006.
J. Duane Bolin, history professor, said the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education mandated state-funded universities present activities in the regional area near the University.
According to the KCPE Web site, the Regional Stewardship program "seeks to promote regional and statewide economic development, livable communities, social inclusion, creative governance and civic participation through public engagement activities initiated by comprehensive university faculty and staff."
Megan Locke can be reached at megan.locke@ murraystate.edu.
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