In 1957, ABA President Charles S. Rhyne, a Washington, D.C. attorney, envisioned a special day for celebrating our legal system.

How Law Day Began: Charles Rhyne's Law Day 2000 speech
An Early Law Day Speech: Rhyne's 1958 radio address

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Law Day to strengthen our great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law.

The First Law Day Proclamation by President Eisenhower

In 1961, May 1 was designated by joint resolution of Congress as the official date for Celebrating Law Day, U.S.A.

The Congressional Resolution establishing Law Day

More Law Day History

Selected Law Day themes (includes links to some previous Planning Guides)
The Liberty Bell Award