(September 13, 2012)

Judge Maurice Hicks presents Centenary Constitution Day lecture

SHREVEPORT, LA — Judge S. Maurice "Maury" Hicks Jr. will present a special Constitution Day lecture Thursday, September 20, 11:10 a.m., in Kilpatrick Auditorium of Centenary College. The event is free and open to the public.

"I think that it is important that the public understands the political and legal foundations of the country," said Dr. Christopher Parker, Assistant Professor of Political Science. "This is particularly true in times such as the current election season when we have two parties that are offering up two very different visions for society and the proper role of government. Understanding the Constitution and its relevance to modern society will help voters to make an informed decision about their representatives in government."

Judge Hicks is currently serving as a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport. President George Bush nominated Hicks to the position and the Senate confirmed his nomination in 2003. Hicks obtained his JD from Louisiana State University in 1977. Before his appointment as a federal judge, he served as a private practice attorney for over 26 years.

Constitution Day is an American federal observance that celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, which established the many rights and freedoms that citizens enjoy today. The anniversary of this event has been celebrated as a federal observance since 2004.