Law Day: Democracy through Advocacy

Democracy – a form of government that is easily taken for granted.

Justice – a word that holds much value and power providing fairness and impartiality to the people.

Advocacy – actions completed to protect the rights of others unable to do so themselves.

All of these words are part of the foundation of Law Day. Law Day was created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and was proclaimed by Congress to be observed each year on May 1. President Eisenhower established this day as a national dedication to the principles of government under law stating that as a nation, it is imperative that we remember how our laws help people to be treated fairly and how our laws have inspired other countries to treat their citizens more fairly. It was because of his reflections of what he witnessed during World War II that he developed a deeper appreciation of the privileges awarded here in the U.S. As stated per the American Bar Association (ABA), Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to freedoms that all Americans share.

Themes: Past and Present

In an effort to explore the many aspects of Law Day’s foundation and principles, a specific theme is selected each year. The themes seem to tell a story over the years and serve as reminders of how the law is to be upheld. In 1969, the theme was Justice and Equality Depend on Law and YOU. This theme was selected 11 years after President Eisenhower established Law Day, which, ironically was during the time that the U.S. was at war with Vietnam. In 1975, the theme was Young America, Lead the Way. In 1989, the theme was Access to Justice. In 1992, the theme was Struggle for Justice. In 2023, the theme was The Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. This theme served as an invitation for us as a nation to rebuild our trust and respect in our institutions and each other to successfully collaborate and address the challenges that face our nation.

This year’s theme is The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One. As stated on the ABA website, “this theme focuses on the framers’ establishment of the Constitution and how we should explore and renew our duties to each other under the Constitution and our democratic norms. It is through our commitment that we can provide for the common good through government responses to national crises in addition to advocacy programs for students and adults.”

Regardless of the theme selected each year, the underlying objective is to spotlight a particular aspect of law or the legal process and its significant impact on our daily lives. The intent is to continue keeping the rule of law in the forefront. The themes assist with focusing on certain aspects that may be inspired by current events or issues that have become difficult to ignore. The rule of law should continue to be a preserved priority. Because of its importance, it is highly encouraged by the ABA that Law Day is celebrated.

Law Day Contributions

Many schools and organizations contribute their efforts to celebrate Law Day. Law Day programs are organized and conducted by schools, youth groups, community organizations, courts, and bar associations. CCCBA’s Senior Section has contributed to celebrating this day for many years starting in 2019. Each year, the Senior Section has secured a speaker for the event they have organized for our enjoyment. The list of past speakers includes District Attorney Diana Becton, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky of the UC Berkeley School of Law, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of the 10th Congressional District, and Congressman John Garamendi, who now represents the 8th District. This year, the section returned to hosting the Law Day event in-person on May 1st at the Lafayette Library. The guest speaker was Professor Amanda Tyler of UC Berkeley School of Law. It is not only profound that Professor Tyler teaches Constitutional Law, but the fact that she also clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who spent her life upholding and applying the Constitution to our evolving nation.

Reflection

Law Day serves as a reflection of the precedents set across the nation and are used as the foundation for legal arguments solidifying the collaboration required amongst us all. It is symbolic of being receptive to differing opinions for the sake of justice and equality. This day is not just about acknowledging the legal system; it is about embracing the responsibilities that come with pursuing a legal education and profession. The law continues to evolve based on history, policy and social change. Law Day is symbolic and challenges us to think of how we can contribute to making the legal system more equitable and responsive to societal needs. It is through advocacy, regardless of the field of law one practices, that uses the laws set forth by the people to ensure that each client’s rights are protected. As someone striving to join the legal community, it is an honor to actively contribute to upholding the purpose of the Constitution; advocating for and protecting the rights of all for the sake of democracy and the betterment of our nation’s communities. Law Day is an inspiration in hopes of seeing that the law is a tool for meaningful change. It is more than a symbolic celebration—it is a call to action.