War Against Corruption

The American Bar Association’s Law Day 2022 theme is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” As we all know, the Constitution is more than just a piece of paper. It is the blueprint for our system of government. It articulates rights, outlines a path for changes, and balances power between the three distinct branches of government. With each piece of legislation, court ruling, amendment, and challenge, “we the people” continue to build on those original words to attempt to make a “more perfect union.” This is an effort that we all continue to strive for.

For the Tulsa County Bar Foundation's 2022 Law Day Luncheon, we will look back at Bill Price’s, U.S Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, war against corruption in the state of Oklahoma. Michael J. Hightower recently published a biography of Price entitled “At War with Corruption.” Throughout Price’s career, he encountered corruption in Oklahoma in several different areas of our government. Price will discuss his war with the systemic bribery in county governance and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners on the take and many other episodes of corruption in Oklahoma History. Mr. Price’s war with corruption highlights the darkest of Oklahoma History. Oklahoma's origins began with theft, murder, and cultural steamrolling. However, Price does not believe the state as whole is uniquely tolerant or susceptible to corruption. Most importantly, Price’s biography discusses ways to prevent corruption and the possibilities for justice to prevail when public servants work together to seek justice.

We hope that you will join us for lunch, awards, and engage in conversation about how “we the people” can continue to work together towards a “more perfect union.”