Rule of law hailed as basis of U.S. freedoms

Chief Judge U. Gene Thibodeaux of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal said Thursday that the U.S. rule of law is the foundation that makes this nation of diverse interests the envy of the world.

He was special guest speaker at the St. Landry Bar Association's observance of the 50th annual Law Day.

Thibodeaux was a child in Mallet when President Dwight Eisenhower declared the May 1 Law Day celebration to counter May Day displays of military might behind the Iron Curtain.

The aggression that that might stood for was supposed to conquer the free world. It didn't and this country's rule of law continues.

"Our Constitution and the laws written as a result of it are the only documents which promise so much to so many," Thibodeaux said.

He said despite criticisms of the bar and the judiciary, "we are still going strong and are still doing right."

"We need to quit whining and moaning," he said, adding "life is good and our system is good. Our duty is to make the U.S., Louisiana and St. Landry Parish the best they can be."

He said in his position on the appeallate bench he finds that 80 to 85 percent of rulings at the district court level, the first rung on judicial ladder, are correct.

"You'll not be wronged in our courts of justice, despite all we hear," he said.

Andrea West of Eunice took office as president of the St. Landry Bar at the session. Rebecca Pierrotti, also of Eunice, is vice president and Jason Meche of Opelousas is secretary/treasurer. Benjamin Burson of Eunice is outgoing president.