President Dwight Eisenhower declared May 1, 1958, to be Law Day USA, a day to consider the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society.
Eisenhower’s executive action was codified by Congress in 1961, making the celebration an annual event.
The Law Day 2024 theme, decided by the American Bar Association, is “Voices of Democracy” to recognize that in democracies, the people rule.
For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their political views and wishes by speaking their minds and voting in elections.
In November, voters will cast their ballots in the 60th presidential election.
The Jacksonville Bar Association is planning a full schedule of events leading up to May 1.
Law Day committee members will work with students at West Riverside Elementary School who will draw posters that express the students’ impressions of the Law Day theme.
The student artwork will be digitized and posted at jaxbar.org, where JBA members and the public will be invited to vote for their favorite poster.
The JBA conducts an art supplies and toiletries drive beginning March 1 with donations delivered to West Riverside in May. Visit tinyurl.com/59yxt97d to view the wish list and place an order.
Donors may purchase items on the list and have them shipped directly to the JBA office or supplies and toiletries may be dropped off at the office at Wells Fargo Center Downtown, said Missy Davenport, committee chair.
Law Day in the Classroom, a speech-writing contest for students at Jean Ribault High School, includes a $100 first prize and a spot for the winner on the Law Day luncheon program.
This year’s Rendezvous on the Rooftop, in partnership with the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Association, is 6-8 p.m. April 30 at the Penthouse Lounge at the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach.
Proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle will benefit Dreams Come True, a nonprofit dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children facing life-threatening medical conditions in Northeast Florida.
Admission includes two drink tickets, one raffle ticket and light appetizers. Early bird tickets may be purchased for $25 per person until April 11. Tickets will then be $30 and will increase to $35 per person at the door.
Visit bit.ly/2024-ROR to register.
To date, the JBA has raised more than $31,000 to fulfill the dreams of 14 children.
The JBA’s celebration will conclude with the annual Law Day luncheon and members meeting at noon May 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan will deliver the keynote address.
Three awards are presented.
The Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Jacksonville Daily Record, is presented to a lawyer who provides exceptional service to the community, going beyond their legal skills in daily practice.
The JBA Professionalism Committee is seeking nominations for the Professionalism Award. It is presented to a lawyer who embodies high professional standards, advancing the goals of professionalism in the legal field.
The Law Week Committee is accepting nominations for the Liberty Bell Award. It is presented to a nonlawyer who has given of his or her time and energy to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the legal community.
Nominations may be submitted at tinyurl.com/zf658wvp before 5 p.m. April 12.