The Zief Law Library Celebrates Law Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources

Posted on by Randall Seder

Are there issues with this text? Email the author: Randall Seder, rseder@usfca.edu.

The image depicts Lady Justice raising scales. The image is titled "Lady Justice background," and it is credited to the Tingey Injury Law Firm, West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Lady Justice background. Tingey Injury Law Firm, West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, USA. Unsplash.com.

LEGAL HISTORY

The Zief Law Library joins the University of San Francisco School of Law community in celebrating “Law Day.” This national holiday recognizes the significant role that the law, legal processes, and legal education play in the United States. These topics contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to provide justice and extend civil liberties to all Americans. Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1st, but many events and programs are held the week(s) before or after.

The image shows five promotional Law Day buttons from past years. In this image, the five buttons are collaged together. The collage was created by the author of this post. The items themselves are shown photographed on the American Bar Association website.
A collage of Law Day promotional buttons from past years. Items are shown on the American Bar Association website.

Law Day traces its origins to the late Hicks Epton, an attorney from Wewoka, Oklahoma. Epton served as head of the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) Public Relations Committee and was later elected as president of the OBA in 1953. In 1951, Epton launched one of the OBA’s most influential public relations programs, Know Your Liberties- Know Your Courts Week. The purpose of this commemorative week was to educate the public about the legal system and celebrate American liberties. Know Your Liberties- Know Your Courts Week achieved its mission and spread to other states, ultimately earning the Oklahoma Bar Association two Freedom Foundation awards for the association’s contributions to community organization, leadership, and education.

The image shows the Law Day issue of Time Magazine, published May 5th, 1958. The cover depicts a portrait of (then) American Bar Association President Charles Rhyne, created by the Russian-American illustrator Boris Artzybasheff.
The Law Day issue of Time Magazine, published May 5th, 1958. The cover depicts a portrait of (then) American Bar Association President Charles Rhyne, created by the Russian-American illustrator Boris Artzybasheff.

Inspired by the educational programs and community outreach advanced by Hicks Epton and members of state bar associations across the country, Charles S. Rhyne developed the idea of Law Day as a national holiday. At the time, Rhyne served as President of the American Bar Association (1957-1958) and legal counsel to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1958, President Eisenhower proclaimed that Law Day would be celebrated on May 1st of that year. Three years later, on April 7th, 1961, Law Day was recognized as an annual holiday by Public Law 87-20. The resolution stated that May 1st would be set aside each year for Americans to celebrate their liberties and learn about the US legal system through suitable educational programs or ceremonies.   

Since then, American presidents have issued annual proclamations recognizing Law Day.  On April 28th, 2023, President Joseph Biden issued a Law Day proclamation. In his speech, President Biden paid tribute to “Generations of Americans [who] have worked to defend and improve our laws, hold accountable those who break or undermine them, and ensure equal rights and protections for all…” President Biden also emphasized several cornerstones of American democracy, such as voting rights and access to legal representation. On the topic of voting rights, Biden discussed protecting the right to vote, promoting access to voter registration and election information, clear guidelines for certifying and counting electoral votes, and fighting unlawful voter registration. Regarding access to legal representation, Biden discussed ensuring that all Americans, “regardless of wealth or status,” have quality legal aid when required, and removing barriers such as language and prejudice that prevent people from understanding and navigating the legal system.

The image shows a photograph of someone holding their voting ballot in front of a sign that says "I Voted." The image was taken in 2020 by Janine Robinson.
“I Voted,” November 3rd, 2020. Photograph taken by Janine Robinson. Unsplash.com.

Each year, the American Bar Association designates a theme to highlight an important issue relating to the law or United States legal system. The 2023 theme was  “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” President Biden ended his 2023 speech by emphasizing the crucial role that every American plays in defending democracy. He stated that in order for Americans to maintain the ability to choose their own fate and create their own future, every citizen must understand that democratic values are upheld through solidarity, togetherness, and cooperation as a community, with the rule of law as the guiding principle.   

Despite its annual observance, Law Day has been criticized for overshadowing another holiday celebrated on May 1st: International Workers’ Day. While the origins of International Workers’ Day vary depending on the country, many commemorate 19th-century labor campaigns for a regulated eight-hour workday. May is a common month chosen for International Workers’ Day celebrations due to an event known as the Haymarket Affair that occurred in May of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois, during which the bombing of a labor demonstration at Haymarket Square resulted in dozens of civilian casualties. The event further divided the country on political stances regarding labor laws, working conditions, free speech, free press, and law enforcement. However, it quickly became an international symbol of workers’ resistance against oppressive labor conditions. To distance a commemorative holiday from the assumed radical implications of the Haymarket Affair, U.S. President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law on June 28, 1894, declaring that Labor Day would be celebrated in September instead of May. Each September, the United States celebrates Labor Day to recognize workers’ contributions to the American labor movement, such as the eight-hour workday, safer working conditions, child labor laws, maternity leave, paid time off, workman’s comp, and more. In commemoration of the Haymarket Affair and the ongoing efforts to improve American working conditions, many Law Day celebrations reference workers’ rights, labor laws, and freedom of speech. To learn more about International Workers’ Day and the Haymarket Affair, explore the References section of this post.  

The images shows thousands of union members celebrating International Workers’ Day in San Francisco, California. Image courtesy of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Thousands of union members celebrating International Workers’ Day in San Francisco, California. Image courtesy of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

With freedom of speech and voting rights in mind, the American Bar Association has determined that the 2024 Law Day theme is “Voices of Democracy.” This year, Americans will address fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law through the country’s 2024 presidential election, which marks the 60th quadrennial presidential election in the United States.

BAY AREA EVENTS

  • Explore the Bar Association of San Francisco Events Calendar for upcoming mixers, picnics, happy hours, lectures, headshot sessions, and more! Open in-person events include the Business Law Section Mixer from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 24th, and the LQBTQ+ Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 PM on Thursday, April 25th, at Morgan Lewis & Bockius (1 Market Street, Spear Street Tower in San Francisco). 
  • California Lawyers Association: Visit the Events and Programs page of the California Lawyers Association website for information on upcoming events during 2024. 
  • San Mateo Bar Association (SMBCA): The Community Affairs Committee invites you to attend this year’s in-person Law Day to celebrate the Mock Trial Competition students and teacher advisors. “The Law Day event will have a fantastic panel of speakers and the Mock Trial Awards will be presented by the Presiding Judge Elizabeth Lee and the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association will also present the Scholarship Program to three well-deserving students.” Date: Friday, April 26th, 2024, 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM PT Location: Cañada College at 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061.
The image shows a group of people eating around a table. This photograph was taken from Priscilla Du Preez’s “Community” collection. June 9th, 2018. Unsplash.com.
A photograph taken from Priscilla Du Preez’s “Community” collection. June 9th, 2018. Unsplash.com.

ONLINE EVENTS

The image shows the American Bar Association webpage, "1968 Law Day PSAs." Recordings are featured from notable figures including Lyndon B. Johnson, Mickey Mantle, Thurgood Marshall, Earl Morris, Rosalind Russel, and David Scott.
“1968 Law Day PSAs,” American Bar Association Website.
  • Voices of Democracy: “The Voices of Democracy Law Day theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process; discussing issues in honest and civil ways; turning out to vote; and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections. In this way, Americans ensure that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people. We invite all Americans to join us on May 1, 2024, to celebrate Law Day by lifting their voices to strengthen our democracy.” Form to sign up for free updates on Law Day resources and information.
  • Announcement from ABA President Mary Smith: President Smith announces “the 2024 Law Day theme, Voices of Democracy, and encourages Americans to lift our voices to maintain our system of laws and to ensure that our democracy endures. Join us on May 1, 2024, to celebrate Law Day!” 

Past Law Day Celebrations include the 1968 Law Day PSAs and the Conversation Recording with Law Librarian of Congress Aslihan Bulut and American Bar Association President Deborah Enix-Ross on the 2023 Law Day Theme: “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration”- click HERE to watch.

REFERENCES and ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Law Day: 

International Workers’ Day and The Haymarket Affair: