Law day
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Law Day was created in the late 1950s, by the American Bar Association to draw attention to both the principles and practice of law and justice. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day by proclamation in 1958. It is defined in 36 U.S.C. § 113[1]. May 1, which is also International Workers' Day, was chosen as Law Day.
Like Earth Day, Law Day is not an actual government holiday. In fact, few outside the legal community in the United States are even aware of the existence of Law Day. To celebrate Law Day, some local bar associations hold a luncheon, featuring speakers who discuss topics such as justice or the liberties provided for by the United States Constitution. Also, attorneys might visit schools and talk to students about the American legal system.
It is suspected that the date of May 1 was, in the context of the then-growing Cold War climate, chosen to deflect attention from the May Day holiday celebrated by labor movements around the world. Eisenhower pushed this holiday because of the peace it represented, in response to the Soviet Union's constant display of armed military power.
[edit] References
- ^ 36 U.S.C. § 113 Cornell Law School
