This year’s Law Day theme is “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom,” and according to the Presidential Proclamation, “recalls the historic role our courts have played in protecting the fundamental rights and liberties of all Americans. Our courts are the guarantors of civil justice, social order, and public safety, and we must do everything we can to enable their critical work. The courthouse doors must be open and the necessary services must be in place to allow all litigants, judges, and juries to operate efficiently. Likewise, we must ensure that access to justice is not an abstract theory, but a concrete commitment that delivers the promise of counsel and assistance for all who seek it.”

President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day in 1958 for the people of the United States to appreciate their liberties and reaffirm their national loyalty.  It is celebrated every May 1st, and observance of the day was codified at 36 U.S.C. § 113 in 1961.

If you are interested in reading more about Law Day, the Library of Congress has a Law Day Research Guide which provides an overview of the day, links to past Presidential Proclamations (1958 – 2011), and lists research sources.  You can also find more information and resources for celebrating Law Day on the ABA’s website.