The Bedrock of Liberty: Why the Rule of Law Matters By Steven K. Howe, Kansas State Representative – District 71

This week, I stepped away from my duties at the Statehouse to fulfill one of the most
fundamental and constitutional obligations we share as American citizens: I reported for
jury duty.

Spending two days in that environment was a profound reminder of the importance of
our judicial system. Although I was not ultimately selected for the panel, the experience
stayed with me. Due process, the right to a speedy trial, the right to a trial by jury – each
are essential rights enshrined by the U.S. Constitution. These "checks and balances"
are not just phrases in law textbooks; they are the bedrock of a civil society and
represent the very best of what Western civilization has to offer.

However, for our judicial system to function, the law must be more than just words on a
page—it must be enforced.

Our families and neighbors deserve to live in safe communities, free from criminal
elements that undermine our neighborhoods. A country that doesn’t enforce its laws is a
country in decline. A country in decline risks losing its sovereignty, and soon, it will
cease to be a country at all.

We see the necessity of this enforcement in real-time across the country each and
every day – whether it involves citizens or non-citizens alike. Earlier this week, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of multiple illegal
aliens with significant criminal histories. These were not mere administrative violations;
not only were these people here illegally, but they also had "rap sheets" including
aggravated sexual assault of the elderly and disabled, automobile homicide, and
fentanyl trafficking.

Two of these arrests hit especially close to home. One individual arrested in Kansas had
prior convictions for stalking, theft, and criminal trespass. Another had been convicted
on two counts of child endangerment. See for yourself – the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE –
and you can search by State to see this for yourself: Kansas "Worst of Worst"

These are the specific types of criminal elements that threaten the safety of our Kansas
streets. When our laws are enforced, these individuals are removed from our
communities, and our families are made safer.

This is why our law enforcement officers—at the local, state, and federal
levels—deserve more than just our cooperation; they deserve our prayers and our vocal
support. From the officers on the beat to the County Attorneys, Public Defenders,
Judges, and even the President, every link in the chain of justice is vital.

As your State Representative, my time in the jury assembly room reminded me that we
all have a role to play. Whether we are serving on a jury, reporting a crime, or simply
supporting those who wear the badge, we are all stewards of the Rule of Law. Let us
remain a country of laws, for that is the only way we will remain a country at all.