The ABA Division for Public Education invites you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Law Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day in 1958 to expand the public’s awareness and appreciation of our justice system, legal heritage, and the role of law in our society. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in our democracy. Law Day is observed annually on May 1 and is one of many significant events sponsored by the Division.
This year’s theme, The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity,will explore the meaning of the rule of law and will foster public understanding through discussion of its role in a free society. The rule of law impacts individuals not only in the United States but throughout the world. ABA President William Neukom says, “The rule of law refers to a system in which the government is accountable under the law.” This system is based on fair, publicized, broadly understood, and stable laws. This system also requires diverse, competent, independent, and ethical law enforcement officials, advocates, and judges. This foundation is essential in sustaining communities of opportunity and equity.
The ABA hopes Law Day 2008 will encourage active participation in the civic life of our communities. The Division for Public Education website provides numerous ideas and resources in order to make your Law Day event a success, including a free Law Day Planning Guide and Resource Catalog. Law students are especially encouraged to participate in Law Day events at their schools.
The Division strives to maintain and improve constitutional democracy through public education about the law. Reaching more than 25 million people each year, the Division’s programs, publications, and resources are designed to educate and inform youth, undergraduate college and university students, and adults about law and the justice system so that they are better equipped to meet the challenge of productive engagement in our democracy.
In addition to organizing Law Day on a national level, the Division for Public Education also offers many professional development opportunities and provides clearinghouse services to schools, colleges, and universities, community organizations, and the general public. It provides instructional support to educators and lawyers who teach about the law. And it has also developed publications and educational resources to help expand the impact and outreach of its programs and to make the law more accessible.
The Division believes that public access to high-quality programs and materials about the law is essential. I hope you will support the Division in its commitment to educating the public about the law. I encourage you to join in Law Day 2008 activities and to take advantage of the many interactive educational resources on the Division’s website (www.abanet.org/publiced). •
Molly Timko is a third-year student at the City University of New York School of Law and is the liaison to the Division for Public Education.
