David Stumbo’s Constitution Day Talk at Lander Connects History, Modern Law

Constitution Day speaker David Stumbo explored the historical significance and the continuing relevance of the U.S. Constitution, guiding his audience at Lander University through the document that established the framework for the nation’s government.

Stumbo, who has served as solicitor for the Eighth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina (Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Newberry counties) since 2012, discussed Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution, which establish the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government and define their respective powers.

“The Constitution is a special document, and it makes our country very special,” said Stumbo. “It is one of the reasons why our nation has endured … it still governs us in our country today.”

He also explained how the U.S. Constitution’s specific amendments have practical relevance to his work as solicitor illustrating how a document written more than two centuries ago continues to shape the work of government and the legal system today.

For example, the fourth amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, is very important, Stumbo said, stressing that law enforcement officers must have probable cause for searches and warrants to support their actions.

The “right to remain silent” is part of the fifth amendment’s protection against self-incrimination. Today’s application of this amendment is part of a person’s Miranda rights, Stumbo said, in which a person must be explicitly told of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present when being questioned by law enforcement.

“This document that we have is one of the greatest documents in the history of the world,” Stumbo said. “It establishes a system for making government work.”

Following his presentation, Stumbo took questions from audience members, providing an opportunity for further discussion about the Constitution and its role in American government and law.

The program was sponsored by Lander’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. South Carolina law requires colleges and universities to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution each year through special programs and educational activities on or about the date of Sept. 17, which was when the U.S. Constitution was adopted and signed in 1787.