May 1 marks Law Day, a celebration of the rule of law and its contributions to Americans’ many freedoms. Celebrated this year on May 3, Law Day was first established by President Eisenhower in February, 1958. Congress later passed a joint resolution (now codified at 36 U.S.C. § 113) designating May 1 as Law Day and requesting the sitting president to issue a proclamation each year. Presidents have done so in each succeeding year.
The theme of Law Day 2010 is “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges.” The American Bar Association held a public program on that topic on April 27, and offers an online map of Law Day programs across all fifty states. The New York City Bar Association will observe the day with free legal information fairs in Queens and Brooklyn on May 3 and 4. Click here for the New York State Bar Association programs.