North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Jerod E. Tufte is set to speak at NDSU on Friday, Sept. 16, in honor of Constitution Day.
The talk is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in the Hidatsa room at NDSU’s Memorial Union. Tufte will discuss the formation and ratification of the United States Constitution and its impact on today’s students. The event is free and open to attend. A free lunch and dessert will immediately follow Tufte’s presentation.
Andrea Smith, senior lecturer of business law and Challey Institute faculty fellow, will moderate the discussion. Smith said the Constitutional Convention of 1787 is an example of leaders deliberating critical problems and coming together amidst vast disagreement.
“It’s been called a ‘miracle’ that the Constitution was ultimately ratified,” said Smith. “Constitution Day is therefore an opportunity to reflect on this rich history and very foundation of our legal system, and to celebrate the way the Constitution continues to shape the American story.”
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Since 1789, it has evolved through amendments and remains the landmark legal document of the United States.
Tufte was elected to the North Dakota Supreme Court in 2016. Born in Minot, North Dakota, he attended West Fargo public schools before earning his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Case Western Reserve University and his juris doctorate from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the court, he worked as an attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, and Steele, North Dakota; Kidder County State’s Attorney; Judge Advocate in the North Dakota Army National Guard, including overseas service in Kosovo; legal counsel to Gov. Jack Dalrymple; and District Court Judge.
NDSU’s Constitution Day program is sponsored by NDSU Civic Engagement and the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth.
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