Law Day

 

Law Day  

Law Day U.S.A. was established in 1958, by presidential proclamation and reaffirmed by joint resolution in Congress in 1961. Law Day is annually celebrated on May 1 of every year as a "special day of celebration by the American people in appreciation of their liberties and to provide an occasion for re-dedication of the ideals of equity and justice under the laws."

Law Day Theme

The 2012 Law Day theme “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom” provides the opportunity to highlight the role of the nation’s courts in our constitutional democracy and to foster public understanding about the judiciary. 

One can begin that process of understanding by looking at how these terms are defined legally:

Court:  A governmental body consisting of one or more judges who sit to adjudicate disputes and administer justice.

Justice:  The fair and proper administration of laws.

Freedom:  Having legal and political rights; enjoying political; and civil liberty.
source:  Black’s Law Dictionary (second Edition)

Law Day Annual Luncheon

The DuPage County Bar Association law Day Luncheon is traditionally held during the 1st week of May.  At this luncheon we have a keynote speaker who has actively promoted the ideals of justice and law.  The Liberty Bell award is awarded at this luncheon.

Liberty Bell Award

The DCBA Law Day Committee annually solicits nominations for the annual Liberty Bell Award which is awarded at the Law Day Luncheon.  The recipient is a non-attorney who has devoted substantial time and effort toward attaining and maintaining justice in these areas:
 
1)       Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
2)       Encouraging greater respect for law and the courts;
3)       Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights;
4)       Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and
5)       Fostering better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.
         

Mock Trial Presentations

The DuPage County Bar Association is hosting Mock Trial Presentations for DuPage County students in Grades 6-12 at the DuPage County Judicial Center on Friday, May 4, 2012.  If your school is interested in participating in this annual Law Day activity or would like information about any Law Day activity, contact Liz Whitney by email: lwhitney@dcba.org.

Lawyer Outreach Program

Lawyer Outreach program is offered to DuPage County Schools during the month of April.  Volunteer attorneys come to the classroom (usually on a Friday afternoon) to talk with students about Mock Trial Presentation, Law Careers in law and Law in general.  If you would like more information about this program, email Liz Whitney at lwhitney@dcba.org.

Ask a Lawyer

The DuPage County Bar Association participates in Illinois’ annual Ask a Lawyer on the Saturday closest to May 1st from 9 AM to 2:00 PM.  Call us at 630-653-7779 on that day.

American Bar Association Law Day Home Page and Illinois State Bar Association Law Related Resources Home Page for more information.

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