The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is muscular and transforming all at once. Adopted on July 9, 1868 as a post-Civil War Reconstruction Amendment, it deals with citizenship and due process issues that affect every citizen of the United States. These discussions are presently at the forefront of our national consciousness.

The Citizenship Clause, Due Process Clause and Equal Protect-ion Clause of the 14th Amendment are among the most litigated parts of the United States Constitution. This has resulted in many landmark decisions over the years.

As a judge in the Douglas County Juvenile Court for 17 years, I have had ample opportunity to see families and children who are affected by several of these issues, primarily the citizenship issue. The Court always strives to resolve these matters justly, and with compassion, bearing in mind the real world impact that these issues and judicial

decisions will have on children and families in our community.

We are grateful for the stalwart work being done within the judicial system by its lawyers and advocates. Sometimes the laws twist and turn and these officers of the court work tirelessly to bring order and common sense solutions, which apply the law and work reasonably as applied to all members of our community.

This can be a daunting task, and these advocates should have our gratitude and respect for the high quality work they put in to benefit the community.

Courts must not only follow the law, but must provide innovative solutions to the processing of its cases with an understanding that they are affecting and even changing lives.

So, thank you to the attorneys, our probation officers, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Families Collaborative workers and other dedicated professionals who bring order to our system and our community. The importance, as well as the challenge, of your work cannot be overstated.

This signed article was written at The Daily Record’s invitation to underscore the theme of Law Day 2017.