Celebrating Law Day

Law Day is nationally set aside annually on May 1 to celebrate the rule of law.  

What is Law Day?  

Law Day underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in our democratic republic and the importance of jury service to maintain the integrity of the courts.  

How did Law Day begin?  

The tradition of celebrating Law Day began in 1958 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed that every year on May 1, we as a nation “should remember with pride” how our laws help people to be treated fairly and how our laws have inspired other countries to treat their citizens more fairly. In 1961, Congress, by joint resolution, designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.  

Why is Law Day celebrated on May 1?  

When the Soviet Union existed and was a major world power, the Soviets held a parade every year on May 1 to display their new weapons. This parade showed that the Soviet Union was a nation that ruled by force. To demonstrate the difference between the nations, American politicians and lawyers wanted to use May 1 to show that the United States was a nation ruled by laws made by its people.  

How is Law Day celebrated?  

Law Day programs are designed to help people understand how the law keeps us free and how our legal system strives to achieve justice. Thousands of Law Day activities are conducted for youth and adults across the country. Find Law Day news, history, and more at LawDay.org.