High school teacher Timothy Constant and two students from Casa Richard Academy in Detroit accepted the American Bar Association’s Law Day Activities Award in Miami Feb. 9. Pictured from left to right: State Bar of Michigan Interim Executive Director Janet K. Welch, SBM Development and External Affairs Manager Candace Crowley, SBM President Kimberly M. Cahill, SBM President-Elect Ronald D. Keefe, Casa Richard Academy student Arielle Ramirez, Michigan State Bar Foundation Executive Director Linda K. Rexer, Casa Richard Academy student Rolando Benitez, SBM Treasurer W. Anthony Jenkins, and Casa Richard Academy teacher Timothy Constant.

High school teacher Timothy Constant and two students from his advanced law class at Casa Richard Academy in Detroit were presented with the American Bar Association’s Law Day Activities Award at a Feb. 9 luncheon held in conjunction with the ABA mid-year meeting in Miami.

The Activity Awards program showcases Law Day programs and promotes them as models for similar efforts in other schools. Entries are judged on several criteria including the extent and effectiveness of partnerships among community groups, schools, and legal organizations. Casa Richard Academy students studied the concept of separation of powers and its incorporation into the U. S. Constitution. After analyzing and comparing the U.S. and new Iraq constitutions, the class wrote to the Iraqi government with recommendations for strengthening its constitution’s language to better reflect balance of powers through separate branches of government.

“We are extremely proud to celebrate this award with a Michigan school,” said State Bar President Kimberly M. Cahill. “Mr. Constant and his students did an exceptional job in looking at a complex constitutional issue and suggesting strategies to help a new government in trying times. They certainly met the goal of expanding the public’s understanding of the rule of law and appreciation for the positive role law plays in our society.”

Mr. Constant and students Rolando Benitez and Arielle Ramirez attended the Miami ceremony with financial support from the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan State Bar Foundation, and pro bono attorney Marjory B. Cohen.

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