Last updated on: 2/29/2008 | Author: ProCon.org

Karen J. Williams, JD Biography

Title:
Judge of the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
Position:
Pro to the question "Should the Words “under God” Be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?"
Reasoning:

“Undoubtedly, the pledge contains a religious phrase, and it is demeaning to persons of any faith to assert that the words ‘under God’ contain no religious significance. The inclusion of those two words, however, does not alter the nature of the pledge as a patriotic activity.”

AP News, Aug. 10, 2005
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with JD's, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to government and constitutional law. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to government and constitutional law.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Judge, 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
  • Ruled against Edward Myers, upholding Virginia state law requiring public schools to lead children in a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, 2005
  • Nominated and confirmed to the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, 1992
  • Private practice, Orangeburg, South Carolina, 1980-1992
Education:
  • JD, University of South Carolina Law Center, 1980
  • BA, Columbia College, 1972
Other:
  • None found