by The Florida Bar
Florida lawyers, statewide and national bar associations and community, military and judicial groups will participate in a variety of activities to celebrate Law Day May 1.
Activities range from speaking engagements at local schools to mock trial competitions to naturalization ceremonies.
“To assure that equal and fair treatment is afforded to all persons is a fundamental principle of lawyering,” said Georgette Sosa Douglass, chair of the Bar’s Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee and statewide Law Week chair.
“Law Week gives us an opportunity to share with our communities our commitment to the rule of law, which means all persons are subject to the same set of laws regardless of race, religion, creed or position in society.”
The numerous educational and community functions and public ceremonies take place next week, beginning Sunday and lasting until May 4. This year marks the 44th annual nationwide observance of Law Day. The 2002 national theme focuses on assuring equal justice and treatment to all persons.
The annual commemoration was established by the Florida Legislature in 1998 as an official day and designated week. It has been confirmed in a 2002 proclamation by Gov. Jeb Bush that all Florida residents are encouraged to commemorate the role of law and equal treatment of all people during Law Week.
The American Bar Association web site — http://www.abanet.org/publiced/lawday — provides a wealth of information and resources related to Law Week. The site also shares what other state bar associations are doing in honor of Law Week. Florida residents who wish to test their knowledge regarding our legal system’s role in assuring equal justice, should refer to the ABA’s Law Day Quiz Online at http://www.abanet.org/publiced/lawday/quiz02.html.
For information relating to local Law Week activities, call Virginia Norton at 630-1841.