Are our rights as U.S. Citizens fading away?
We have many rights as defined in the Constitution but an increasing number of court cases flooding our judicial system raise this question. I have a high regard for the judicial system we have in this country but there have been cases, some of which have been overturned concerning our rights we have as citizens. I have no problem with individuals filing cases within our judicial system but there have been many examples where the cases filed attack the very rights and privileges we have come to expect.
We are a nation of multiple ethnic backgrounds and beliefs and the fact that we have survived as a country with this diversity says much about the character of the citizens and the country. Today it seems that anyone can file a lawsuit simply for the reason they do not like something someone has done or what government has allowed. It does not make a difference if there have been no violation of laws except in their own interpretation. One example is the Display of the Ten Commandments on public property. Individuals filing these lawsuits must understand individuals who want these displays are the public. I also agree individuals filing this kind of lawsuit are also the public but just because they disagree with this kind of display does not mean they have the right to have it removed.
Today our judicial system is strained with the number of cases it needs to process. While it is a great system when any system becomes overloaded changes need to be made. I am not against any individual or organization filing a lawsuit when they feel they have been harmed as this is their right. There are however, organizations while they have good intentions file lawsuits which have little if any merit as presented to the court for consideration. Some give the impression the sole purpose of the lawsuits are to flood the judicial system with cases that are not substantiated or clearly based on laws in place.
Our rights as we know them are impacted by many of the cases filed each year. If it is not permissible already it should be that courts should be able to refuse as case if it is not based on sound evidence or a clear connection to laws in place. Another aspect to consider is whether the subject has previously been addressed in our court system and the decision finalized or is being appealed. Having multiple cases on the same issue creates additional costs to running the government whether it is local, state or federal.
Our rights are truly sacred to the principles upon which this country was found and any effort to alter those rights should be fought to the full extent of the laws in place. This includes the Constitution which should be the basis for any legal decision made. This has not always been the case as there have been times when decisions made by judges and courts involve legislating from the bench. This issue has been presented and discussed in the media several times. Our rights as citizens as defined in the Constitution and laws of the land should be upheld in all court cases brought into our judicial system.