The Constitution During Uncertain Times

As the United States commemorates the Constitution's 250th anniversary, this program brings together distinguished legal scholars, jurists, and advocates to examine the role of constitutional protections during times of conflict, crisis, and uncertainty. Through historical and contemporary perspectives, presenters will explore lessons from the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the legal and humanitarian challenges facing displaced communities around the world, and evolving issues surrounding immigration and citizenship. Together, they will consider how constitutional rights have been upheld, weakened, or denied—and what these experiences reveal about safeguarding justice today. The program features presentations by Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court, Professor Eric L. Muller of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Salmah Y. Rizvi, Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and Maria Burnett, Acting Senior Legal Coordinator for Project Expedite Justice, followed by a moderated panel discussion. This public program is presented in partnership by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi State Bar Association Civic Education Committee, Project Expedite Justice, and King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center. -- DISCLAIMER: While the Judiciary History Center provides a venue for diverse discussion, the speakers’ remarks do not necessarily represent opinions of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary.