In 1967, Congress officially declared May 1 as Law Day. The intent is to celebrate the legal system in the United States. National, state, and local bar associations conduct outreach events commemorating Law Day each year to educate the community regarding the features of the American justice system.  This year, the American Bar Association is celebrating Law Day with the theme “No Courts – No Justice – No Freedom” to focus attention to the central role that American courts play in our judicial system in providing access to justice for individuals and businesses.

As President Obama states in his Proclamation commemorating Law Day, “Our courts are the guarantors of civil justice, social order, and public safety, and we must do everything we can to enable their critical work.”  In California, Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and other court leaders plan to meet in Sacramento at the Constitutional Wall Courtyard on May 8 to promote Law Day. Nationally, ABA President Bill Robinson has launched a major task force on the Preservation of the Justice System to address the funding shortages that threaten court systems throughout the nation.

As legal educators and future lawyers, the Abraham Lincoln University community recognizes the critical function of the courts in our system of justice. As we at ALU observe this Law Day, we join in celebrating the rule of law in the United States, and  recognize the importance of preserving the American system of justice.