| abstract | - Does the Pennsylvania Constitution apply to Professor Bruce Ledewitz of Duquesne University? According to the learned jurist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Supreme Justice Ronald Castille, the answer is "no." I'm a layman of the law, but I am able to read the Constitution of Pennsylvania: "The Declaration of Rights Freedom and Speech: Libels. Section 7. The printing press shall be free to every person who may undertake to examine the proceedings of the Legislature or any branch of government, and no law shall ever to restrain the right thereof." Ledewitz had the nerve to speak out on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's 2 a.m. pay grab ruling that said "no" to the pay raises for others but "yes" for themselves and other judges. Section 7 also states, "The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man." In the United States, both the U.S. Constitution and now the state Constitution are under attack. Why? Some think that in the age of war on terrorism that we have too much freedom. We have borne the cost of freedom all these hundred of years, and today it's "no" to the fundamental rights our forefathers fought for and died for. I disagree. Section 7 reads, "No conviction shall be had in any prosecution for the publication of papers relating to the official conduct of officers or men in public capacity." I would think this applies to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's sanction effort against Ledewitz. Long live our constitutions, and disgrace to those who dishonor it by their official actions. Stephen F. Kislock III, Beaver Falls
|
