Chief Justice Paul Newby Address Kicks Off State Constitution Celebration 250 for North Carolina
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RALEIGH — As North Carolina celebrates the 250th anniversary of its state constitution, Chief Justice Paul Newby kicked off the Judicial Branch’s State Constitution Celebration 250 campaign in Raleigh this week.
“Our founders said a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty,” Chief Justice Newby reminded a group of lawyers and law students gathered at the State Bar headquarters on Wednesday.
North Carolina’s Constitution was adopted in December 1776, one of the earliest state constitutions. It established North Carolina's first constitutional self-government after the colonies declared independence from Great Britain and included a Declaration of Rights that protected fundamental liberties such as trial by jury, freedom of the press, and religious freedom.
On December 17, 1776, the delegates passed the Declaration of Rights, then adjourned, emphasizing the preeminence of our rights and freedoms. Our founders first “chose to … establish our Declaration of Rights,” Chief Justice Newby said, “because God gives we the people, all political power...these fundamental pillars of life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.” The next day the delegates enacted the constitution, establishing our structure of government.
The North Carolina Constitution of 1776 marked the state's transition from British colonial rule to self-government. It provided the foundation for self-governance by defining the powers of government and protecting the rights of the people.
There have been three constitutions in North Carolina’s history; the Constitution of 1776, the Constitution of 1868, and the current Constitution of 1971.
Chief Justice Newby's address included historical content from his article recently authored in Attorney at Law magazine entitled “Why a Revolution?”
About NC State Constitution Celebration 250
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since its founding on July 4, 1776, and later this year North Carolina will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the North Carolina Constitution. To honor these milestones and North Carolina’s role in the nation’s founding, the North Carolina Judicial Branch has launched the Celebration 250 campaign.