Back to Law Day 2007 Advisory Law Day 2007 Fact Sheet What Is Law Day? A national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share. How Did Law Day Begin? 1957: America Bar Association (ABA) President Charles S. Rhyne, a Washington, D.C., attorney, envisions a special day for celebrating our legal system. 1958: President Dwight D. Eisenhower establishes Law Day as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law. 1961: May 1 is designated by joint resolution of Congress as the official date for celebrating Law Day. When Is Law Day Celebrated? May 1 is the official date, but in fact, celebrations often take place either before or after that date. Some bar associations celebrate Law Week. Law Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in this democracy and the importance of jury service to maintaining the integrity of the courts. How Is Law Day Celebrated? Law Day programs are designed to help people understand how law keeps us free and how our legal system strives to achieve justice. Thousands of Law Day programs are conducted each year for youth and adults across the country. What Is the Law Day 2007 Theme? Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy Why Is This Theme Important? The future of our nation is in the hands of our young people. We all can and should play a role in assuring America's future by addressing the needs of youth and focusing on the issues affecting them today. All youth need to understand their rights and responsibilities under the law to become effective participants in our nation's civic life. The Law Day 2007 theme prompts us to listen to the voices of young people and consider how the law can better serve their needs and interests. It also encourages us to assure that our youth are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively make their voices heard within our democracy. Source: American Bar Association | 
