It’s real. There was a 13th Amendment passed during the War of 1812, and ratified by enough states to make 3/4.
However, the purpose was not to bar lawyers from serving in government. That is an absurd interpretation.
The purpose was to prevent anyone from receiving anything of value from a foreign government from also serving in our government. In 1812, the British occupied Washington, D.C. for a time, and our leaders thought the British might offer land to prominent leaders in exchange for their loyalty. Since this would not be covered under treason, Congress and the States passed the 13th Amendment so that anyone thinking about joining the British would decide the risk too high.
After the War of 1812 ended, most people ignored this Amendment. It does show up in some but not most copies of the Constitution with Amendments published after 1815-1820.
Interesting indeed. Where might I find more information on this? I think overall, the interpretation at this point means less than the question of WTF happened that this is no longer in play? Just because it was largely ignored does not repeal it. Very fascinating in any case.
Wow. Read the article. It makes sense. And, of course, in this view, calling a judge “Your Honor” would be - not only unconstitutional, but anti-constitutional.
I take back most of what I said. Lawyers can be judges, still true, but no honors or immunities.
Further, it’s clear that this was proposed before the War of 1812, and ratified by 12 states before the war started. Only one more state needed to ratify. What a coincidence!
After 1819, when Virginia confirmed that they had ratified the Amendment, it was published by all four new States (Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Illinois) as being part of the US Constitution.
So; No hoax, plenty of documentation. No honors or titles of nobility. Penalty: loss of citizenship.