Dallas Bar Association Contact: Catharine M. Maher, Executive Director Dallas Bar Association 2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201 Activity Summary: Special education students (grades K-12) submitted posters representing their interpretations of the Law Day theme, "Celebrate Your Freedom". Special certificates and prizes were awarded at a ceremony at the courthouse, with the winning posters displayed at the bar's annual Law Day Luncheon. Activity Narrative: THE PROJECT Each year the Dallas Bar Association's Law Day Committee strives to celebrate the legal profession and expand the public's awareness through activities involving the community. 1997's celebration included a mock voir dire project conducted with high school students at the Criminal Courthouse, an essay contest held among grades 4-12, volunteer lawyers speaking about Law Day in all grade level classes at each school, members of the Dallas Bar's Board of Directors giving a presentation on Law Day to prospective jurors at both the criminal and civil courthouses during Law Week, and, new this year, an art contest for special education students, grades K-12, in coordination with the Dallas Association of Court Administrators. GETTING STARTED The Law Day Committee contacted the Dallas Association of Court Administrators and discussed co-sponsoring an already existing contest being conducted by DACA. DACA was receptive to the offer and an alliance was formed. The Law Day Committee contributed $500 towards DACA's budget (attached) for the program and solicited area restaurants and amusements for gift certificates and complimentary tickets. DACA mailed entry packets to over 200 special education teachers in the Dallas Public Schools, explaining the purpose of the contest and giving a one month deadline for posters to be returned. THE CONTEST Students were asked to interpret their understanding of our freedoms as American citizens. There were over 100 entries received, with all entrants receiving a special "Honorable Mention" Ribbon. Finalists received "Judges' Choice" certificates and first, second and third winners were announced in each grade category, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, with cash prizes awarded along with their certificates. All entrants were invited, along with their parents and families, to a reception in the Central Jury Room of the Criminal Courthouse. IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY All entries were displayed in the Central Jury Room of the criminal courthouse during the entire month of May. Hundreds of people in our community visit the courthouse each week for varying reasons, including serving on a jury. The display of these posters benefit the public by affording a better understanding of our justice system and expanded awareness of special education opportunities for students. The winning posters were displayed at the DBA's Law Day Luncheon on May 2nd with Polaroid shots of the artists with each poster. Luncheon attendees enjoyed looking at these entries. One of the posters, depicting 12 little jurors under the caption "Freedom is.. Serving on juries" caught the attention of two judges attending the luncheon, and spawned an impromptu bidding war to purchase the poster. A criminal court judge won and the poster was purchased for $100. The money was given to the child who created the poster, a fourth grade special education student. The poster will be framed and hung in this judge's courtroom for future visitors to see. The attorneys and court administrators involved in this project showed the public that legal professionals are interested in recognizing the children of our community. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization