Agenda 08/26/2025 Item #10B (Display of the Ten Commandments as part of a larger exhibit depicting the foundations of American law and government in appropriate publicly accessible locations on County property selected by the County Manager)8/26/2025
Item # 10.B
ID# 2025-2749
Executive Summary
Recommendation to display the Ten Commandments as part of a larger exhibit depicting the foundations of American
law and government in appropriate publicly accessible locations on County property to be selected by the County
Manager.
OBJECTIVE: To display the Ten Commandments along with American historical texts that complement the principles
of justice, liberty, and the rule of law that are central to American identity.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Ten Commandments represent one of the earliest codified systems of ethical and legal
principles in Western civilization. Their emphasis on moral behavior, personal responsibility, and social order profoundly
influenced the philosophical foundations of the American legal system. Core principles such as the prohibitions against
murder, theft, perjury, and the importance of honoring family and authority align closely with key elements in U.S. civil
and criminal law. Early American legal thinkers, including the Founding Fathers, often referenced biblical principles,
including the Decalogue, in discussions of justice, natural rights, and the rule of law.
I propose to publicly display the Ten Commandments alongside other significant foundational historical documents such
as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Preamble to the Florida Constitution, the lyrics to the Star-
Spangled Banner, and similar texts. This contextual approach highlights the shared moral, philosophical, and intellectual
roots of these texts that shaped the founding of the United States. The Declaration of Independence appeals to “the Laws
of Nature and of Nature’s God,” and acknowledges unalienable rights endowed by a Creator, a concept closely tied to the
ethical monotheism represented by the Ten Commandments. Similarly, the Preamble to the Florida Constitution invokes
gratitude to Almighty God for our liberties, reflecting the historical connection between faith, governance, and public
virtue.
Displaying the Ten Commandments in this context serves an educational and historical purpose, recognizing their
enduring influence on the development of American law, government, and civic morality. This display honors the
integral role of faith-informed ethics in the nation's history, while reinforcing principles of justice, liberty, and the rule of
law that remain central to American identity.
A private citizen has offered to donate framed documents to the County in support of this display. The County Manager
should meet with this individual to evaluate the appropriateness of donated materials. Provided that the donations support
a consistent appearance of all documents and are suitable for display in public facilities, the County should accept this
individual's offer.
FISCAL IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate fiscal impact. Costs may be incurred for installation and
procurement if donated materials do not fully meet display requirements.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate growth management impact.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and
legality and requires a majority vote for approval. Displaying the 10 Commandments by itself has been struck down by
the Courts. Displaying the 10 Commandments as part of a larger display depicting the foundations of America (such as
the Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Gettysburg Address) has been upheld by the Courts. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: To display the Ten Commandments as part of a larger exhibit depicting the foundations of
American law and government in appropriate publicly accessible locations on County property, to be selected by the
County Manager.
PREPARED BY: Chris Hall, Commissioner, District 2
8/26/2025
Item # 10.B
ID# 2025-2749
ATTACHMENTS:
None