A Law Day Reflection On How The Rule of Law Can Sustain and Shape Our Future

Held every year on May 1 in the United States, Law Day celebrates the role of law in our society and aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. First established by President Eisenhower in 1958 as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law, Congress then designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day annually in 1961.

The rule of law is the bedrock of American rights and liberties—in times of calm and unrest alike. The 2021 Law Day theme—Advancing the Rule of Law, Now—reminds us all that ‘we the people’ share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice.

Considering the current contentious climate within our country, this year’s theme provides a relevant discussion for our times.  Advancing the Rule of Law, Now offers us the opportunity to deliberate and debate calls for reform, change, equity, access and ultimately—unity. By shining a spotlight on the legal process and its impact on our daily lives, we will be better equipped to sustain and guide our nation through challenges and growth in the future.

Law Day also reminds us that the future encompasses the encouragement and support of the new legal trailblazers—prospective law students who have a profound interest in joining the fight against social and racial injustice to become the future law leaders that direct public sector accountability to a new level for the purpose of citizens’ legal protection.

Whether it involves civil rights violations like police shootings and jailhouse deaths or instances of government immunity where people are seriously injured, it’s not always easy to beat the government in a legal case, given its massive resources, but the rule of law gives everyone in this country a chance. That’s a powerful message – and not just on Law Day.