Law Day, U.S.A.
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| Law Day, U.S.A. | |
| Observed by | United States |
|---|---|
| Date | May 1 |
On May 1 the United States celebrates Law Day, U.S.A.. It is meant to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society.
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[edit] History
Through the efforts of then American Bar Association President Charles S. Rhyne, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 (Previously known as May Day or International Workers' Day) would now be known as Law Day, U.S.A. in 1958.[1] Its observance was later codified into law by Public Law 87-20 on April 7, 1961.[2]
In contrast, most countries celebrate May Day on the same date, as it is designated Labour Day or International Workers Day. Law Day, U.S.A., along with Loyalty Day, was created to counterbalance these celebrations, which were perceived as communist. On February 5, 1958, President Eisenhower recognized the first Law Day when he proclaimed that henceforth May 1 of each year would be Law Day. He stated “In a very real sense, the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law.” [3].
Now, many local bars and legal education associations, such as the Florida Law Related Education Association and the New York State Bar Association, use Law Day as a legal education tool, particularly for students.
Like Earth Day, Law Day is not an actual[citation needed] government holiday. In fact, few outside the legal community in the United States are even aware of the existence of Law Day.[citation needed] To celebrate Law Day, some local bar associations hold a luncheon, featuring speakers who discuss topics such as justice or the liberties provided for by the United States Constitution. Also, attorneys might visit schools and talk to students about the American legal system.
36 U.S.C. § 113 states, in part:[4].
- Law Day, U.S.A., is a special day of celebration by the people of the United States—
- (1) in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries; and
- (2) for the cultivation of the respect for law that is so vital to the democratic way of life.
[edit] References
- ^ Law Day - May 1st (Law Library of Congress)
- ^ Notes on 36 U.S.C. § 113 Cornell Law School
- ^ David Ray Papke, Law, Cinema, and Ideology: Hollywood Legal Films of the 1950s, 48 UCLA L. Rev. 1473 (2001)
- ^ 36 U.S.C. § 113 Cornell Law School
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- American Bar Association Law Day site
- United States Library of Congress
- Law Day 2009 (Library of Congress)
- Presidential Proclamation, National Law Day 2009 (Apr. 30, 2009)
