Winners: Law Day 2003

The winning entries for Law Day 2003 represented a wide diversity of programs, as well as geographic diversity. But, whether based in a bar association, a school, a court system, or a broad-based group encompassing all these elements, the projects showed creativity in reaching out to students and the public to convey the importance of the rule of law.

Burlington County (New Jersey) Law Day Program
A cooperative effort of the Burlington County Bar Association, the Burlington County Superintendent of Schools, and the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, this program included "Be a Juror for a Day" (for high school students), Law Day student forum on the Bill of Rights in post-9/11 America, Law Day information fair, and student art and essay contests.

Connecticut Judicial Branch
The Connecticut Judicial Branch developed a number of Law Day programs to promote a better understanding of the role of the judiciary in our democratic society, including the Supreme Court on tour, the Judicial Branch volunteer recognition ceremony, judges returning to their high schools, statewide Law Day ceremonies, a Supreme Court Law Day ceremony, and a high school mock trial competition.

Cumberland County (North Carolina) Bar Association
In Cumberland County, the chief judges agreed to cancel all court sessions if a majority of bar members would volunteer for Law Day activities. Eighty-seven attorneys participated as speakers in 75 public schools. The schools requested speakers for a variety of topics, including the Law Day theme. In addition, over 70 attorneys performed repairs on homes owned by low-income senior citizens.

Dallas (Texas) Bar Association
Ensuring that independent courts protect our liberties begins with educating citizens about the rights and responsibilities that come with a democratic society. The Dallas Bar offered all grades the chance to have a lawyer visit their class. High schools participated in a mock voir dire demonstration at the criminal courthouse. An essay contest was sponsored for middle school students and an art contest for elementary students. To reach the larger community, DBA members spoke to jury pools about citizen participation in our legal system. The Law Day celebration culminated in a luncheon honoring the Judiciary.

Mullen High School, Denver, Colorado
Students worked in study groups on a community project in which they researched a particular judicial issue or court. Topics included jurisdiction, court operations, judges and court staff, and how courts protect civil and political liberties. Student groups prepared project notebooks and put together large community booths on Law Day that reached over 1,000 students and many parents. Other activities included mock trials and peer teaching.

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