Each year on May 1st, the United States celebrates Law Day. First designated in 1958 by President Eisenhower, Law Day celebrates the rule of law and its contributions to Americans’ many freedoms. This year’s theme is Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. The Law Library of Congress and the American Bar Association are presenting a panel discussion titled “Civility and Collaboration: U.S. and International Perspectives.” It will feature a conversation about how selected jurisdictions have worked to increase bipartisanship, civics education, and civic engagement.  This webinar will be on April 27 at 3:00 p.m.  You can register here.

April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).

The National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) initiative was launched in 2017 by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation to recognize the contributions of Arab Americans to the United States.  In 2022, President Biden became the first U.S. president to declare April as Arab American Heritage Month.  In his 2023 proclamation, President Biden said, “This month, we join together to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our Nation and recommit ourselves to the timeless work of making sure that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.… Today, the achievements of Arab Americans are reflected in the arts and sciences; in businesses and faith communities; in classrooms and hospitals; and in police stations, firehouses, and every branch of the military.  Arab Americans are also proudly serving throughout my Administration, bringing a diversity of expertise that helps make this country stronger, more prosperous, and more just.”

This year, over 90 Proclamations, Resolutions, and Statements   have been issued from the U.S. Government and 43 states by governors, mayors, school boards (including NYC Public Schools), and county executives.  Governor Kathy Hochul issued this proclamation on behalf of the State of New York.

Earth Day is a time to celebrate our planet and reflect on the ways in which we can protect it for future generations. This annual event, held on April 22nd, reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and encourages us to take action to preserve it. The theme for Earth Day 2023 is Invest in Our Planet. You can learn more by visiting Earthday.org

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, from planting trees and cleaning up litter to reducing your carbon footprint and advocating for environmental policy change. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in protecting our planet.

One of the most significant ways to celebrate Earth Day is by learning more about the environment and the challenges it faces. Take time to read up on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and think about how you can make a positive impact. Whether it’s reducing your energy consumption, recycling more, or supporting environmentally friendly businesses, there are many ways to help protect the planet.

Earth Day is also a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for the environment. Attend a local event or rally, join an environmental group, or organize your own Earth Day celebration with friends and family.

Remember, Earth Day is not just a one-day event. It’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet every day. So let’s celebrate Earth Day and commit to making a positive impact on the environment year-round. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.

Below is the Mendik Library’s hours of operation from Monday March 20 through Friday May 19, 2023.

Unfortunately, the Bloomberg Law training sessions scheduled for Monday, March 20 and Thursday, March 23, have been postponed.  We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reschedule these sessions at a future date.  We will keep you posted.

Sixty years ago, on March 18, 1963,  the U.S. Supreme Court decided Gideon v. Wainwright, significantly changing the face of criminal law in the United States.

Charged with breaking and entering into a Florida pool hall, Clarence Earl Gideon could not afford an attorney. After being convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment, he appealed asserting that his conviction was unconstitutional because the trial court refused to appoint counsel. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, written by Justice Hugo Black, found that the Sixth Amendment gives criminal defendants the right to counsel when charged with a serious offense, even if they cannot afford it. Gideon was subsequently retried and acquitted.

In requiring states to provide attorneys to indigent criminal defendants, the Supreme Court effectively created the public defender system that is today accepted as an integral part of the legal community.

Further reading:

For a quick account of the case, including an image of the first page of Gideon’s handwritten cert. petition to the Supreme Court, see the attached excerpt from Professor Michael Roffer’s The Law Book: From Hammurabi to the International Criminal Court, 250 Milestones in the History of Law. K150.R64 2015.

Gideon’s Trumpet (Book) KF228.G53 L49 1964

Gideon’s Trumpet (Movie)

Kyung M. Lee, Reinventing Gideon v. Wainwright: Holistic Defenders, Indigent Defendants, and the Right to Counsel, 31 Am. J. Crim. L. 367 (2004). (Article mentions The Bronx Defenders.)

Bruce R. Jacob, Memories and Reflections about Gideon v. Wainwright, 33 Stetson L. Rev. 181 (2003). (The author is the former Florida Assistant Attorney General who argued the case before the United States Supreme Court.)