Harlan Bible Presented to Judge Mark Miley

CENTRAL — In ceremonies last Thursday, retired Judge Darrell White presented a replica of the Harlan Bible to Central City Justice of the Peace Mark Miley.

The Bible is virtually identical to a Bible presented to the United States Supreme Court by Justice John Marshall Harlan in 1906.  Since then, every member of the Supreme Court through Justice Elena Kagan has signed the Bible.

The American Judicial Alliance, led by Judge White, is continuing this tradition by presenting replicas of the Harlan Bible to courts all across America.  So far, more than 150 courts have received the Bible in ceremonies similar to the one held at Judge Miley’s office.

The American Judicial Alliance emphasizes the biblical origins of the nation and the importance of America’s Organic Laws, especially the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

America’s Supreme Court Justices have acknowledged the importance of the Harlan Bible tradition.  Justice Samuel Alito recently wrote what a “thrilling and awe-inspiring moment” it was when he signed his name to the Harlan Bible alongside “all the Justices for the past 100 years.”

Former Justice David Souter said that signing the Harlan Bible was the “most humbling thing he ever did.”

Justice John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911) began the tradition by donating his personal Bible to the Court.  Since that time, every Supreme Court Justice has signed the Harlan Bible.

“We are so grateful to receive this Bible into our court.  The Framers knew what they were doing when they established this nation.  It’s our duty to continue that vision,” Judge Mark Miley said.

Witnessing the ceremonies was Judge Phil Miley, who is magistrate of the City of Central and Judge Mark Miley’s father.

Judge White said, “American Judicial Alliance intends to place a Bible in every courtroom in America and to ask active and retired judges all across America to join the Harlan tradition of signing the Bible and utilizing them in their courts.  Every judge who is awakened to our founding is another judge awakened to our future.”

The group has presented the Harlan Bible to U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal, state Supreme Courts, and district courts across the country.

For more information on the American Judicial Alliance and its related affiliate, Retired Judges of America, contact Judge Darrell White at dwhite@retiredjudges.org.