This year marks the 45th commemoration of Law Day, a national day of observance to celebrate our legal heritage. Originally proposed by the American Bar Association and later officially established by Presidential Proclamation and Congressional Resolution, Law Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of law and on the rights and duties of all citizens under our constitutional form of government. May 1 remains the official date, but Law Day over time has become “Law Week” as state and local bar associations, businesses, and schools participate in programs on the rule of law in a constitutional democracy.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Your Freedom - Assuring Equal Justice for All.” I have written many times in this column about the vital function that we, as lawyers, serve in helping to preserve the independence of the judiciary. It goes without saying that equal justice assumes an independent judiciary as its cornerstone.
In keeping with tradition, The Jacksonville Bar Association will commemorate Law Day with a series of events that culminate Friday with our annual Law Day Luncheon. Barry Richard, who represented the Bush-Cheney team in the post-election lawsuits last year, will address the audience. In the end, all agreed that the peaceful acceptance of the final outcome of the election lawsuits was a great testament to judicial independence and the nation’s respect for the rule of law.
We can never take judicial independence for granted, however. Raw politics constantly threatens to undermine the independence of the third branch of government. The independence of the judiciary can best be preserved by working to ensure that our citizens understand how our government works, including the unique and vital role of an independent judiciary. That is why each year The Jacksonville Bar Association makes a special effort to teach, promote, and celebrate law and the American legal system in the community. Throughout April and May, JBA member attorneys are visiting area high schools to help educate students about the rule of law in our society. Elementary schools are participating in an art contest which seeks to promote the ideals of truth and justice. And on Saturday, volunteer attorneys presented a free seminar for the public at the Avenues Mall on the legal issues that most commonly affect people’s lives.
We must each do our part to promote law and respect for the rule of law. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, “It is reasonable that every one who asks justice should do justice.” I invite all members of the Association to join us at the Law Day luncheon Friday to celebrate our legal heritage, and to reaffirm the core values that will sustain our legal future.