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Welcome to Law Day 2013

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day with the following proclamation: "I … hereby designate Thursday, May 1, 1958, as Law Day -- USA. I urge the people of the United States to observe the designated day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and I especially urge the legal profession, the press and the radio, television and motion picture industries to promote and to participate in the observance of that day."

Each year, bar associations, the courts and other law-related organizations and educational institutions sponsor events in recognition of the important role the law and our justice system play in our democratic society.  As we approach Law Day 2013, I encourage you to participate in activities taking place in your community, such as classroom visits, award ceremonies, lectures and essay contests. 

The theme for Law Day 2013 is “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All.”  The American aspiration to achieve full equality for all is one of the defining characteristics of our national identity.  This year marks the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”  As we look back upon these historic milestones and reflect upon the tremendous legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, this year’s Law Day theme also provides an opportunity to consider our nation’s ongoing efforts to fully realize the dream of equality for all.

I am certain that Law Day 2013 will inspire many exciting events and conversations about this interesting and important topic.  You can learn more about how to get involved by using this website.  I hope you will all find a way to take part in this year’s festivities.

Seymour W. James, Jr.
President
New York State Bar Association

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Realizing the Dream; Equality for All

On May 1, 2013, the United States celebrates Law Day for the 24th time.  Law Day is a time for us all to reflect upon the importance of the rule of law, and the role that it plays in the fundamentals of our society.  This is an appropriate occasion to remember the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in proclaiming the first Law Day in 1948:  “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.”

The New York State Bar Association Law, Youth and Citizenship Committee (LYC) urges law schools, bar associations, and other educational institutions to inform their students, members, and the public about Law Day, so that we may all be reminded that Law Day is a special day of celebration, to reflect upon and appreciate our liberties, and rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equality and justice under law. 

The theme for Law Day 2013 is:  Realizing the Dream; Equality for All.  On Law Day 2013, please take some time to reflect upon the theme and share its importance with your colleagues and students.

For further information on how you or your school or organization can participate in Law Day 2013, please explore this site . . .

Featured Activity . . .

New York News Publishers Newspapers in Education Series -

The promise of equality under the law is what has made America a beacon to other nations. It is a pledge clearly set forth in the Declaration of Independence and in the opening words of the Preamble of the Constitution,“We the People.” It is in the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. And it was restated 150 years later in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech which challenged us to live up to our national ideal of equality under the law.

This educational series was created to give students and readers an opportunity to explore the movement for civil and human rights in America and to promote discussion of the continued fight against injustice and discrimination. The five features cover the following topics:

CLICK HERE  for history of Law Day (PDF)

CLICK HERE  for New York State Education Department's Law Day Toolkit

CLICK HERE  for NY Civics Roadmap - Scope & Sequence for NY classrooms, PreK -12

CLICK HERE  for American Bar Association Lesson Plans (PDF)
       Elementary, middle and high school

PLEASE NOTE:
For more ways to celebrate Law Day, check with your local . . .

• bar association
• school district
• courts (click here for online calendar) 
• law school
• colleges and universities
• and check out our Lawyer in the Classroom resource

Law Day links:

State Court Watch - a project of the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program of the New York State Bar Association. This website is a resource for teachers and students interested in enhancing United States history and government curricula by making connections between state case law, famous U.S. Supreme Court cases, and topics covered in U.S. Government and citizenship classes.

iCivics - a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support. Of particular interest, 

NY Civics Roadmap  - preK-12 civics education scope and sequence for New York State teachers, supervisors, and curriculum developers including the following components: Concepts, Content understandings, Learning objectives, Knowledge goals, Learning skills and Civic dispositions.

Now That You've Turned 18 (pdf) - Through the Committee on Public Service and Pro Bono, the Young Lawyers Section has produced the publication, "Now That You've Turned 18," available to parents and senior high school students to give them an overview of their basic legal rights and responsibilities.

Center for Civic Education -   Through its curriculum, the Center engages young people to become informed, responsible citizens. The Center’s curricula include We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution; Project Citizen; the School Violence Prevention Demonstration Program; Representative Democracy in America; Citizens, Not Spectators; and Foundations of Democracy.

American Constitution Society - elementary, middle and high school level lesson plans

Annenberg Classroom -  offers a wide array of educational resources under a single umbrella. For Law Day 2013, try the XX page. Educators can find curricula, lesson plans, multimedia programs, and other teaching materials all indexed and in conformance with the educational standards of their state. Search by keyword, by subject area, or by state standard to find one of the richest sets of teaching aids available in a single location.

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Law Day archives
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