Celebrate Law Day 2005

Celebrating America's Guarantee of Trial by Jury

"I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." - Thomas Jefferson (1788)

May 1st is Law Day, an important opportunity for trial lawyers to celebrate their role in the American justice system and educate students, neighbors, and others in our community about the value of due process and the right to trial by jury. The 2005 theme for Law Day, “The American Jury: We the People in Action,” is especially timely given the current attacks on our jury system at the state and federal levels.

Trial Lawyers Nationwide Celebrate Law Day

For 17 consecutive years, Scott Goodwin and his law partner James Scieszka [pictured right] in Birgmingham, MI have hosted a barbeque and pro bono legal clinic for the elderly, low-income workers, and others in their community on Law Day.

Two years ago, they added a helmet safety aspect to their Law Day events and this year will team up with the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), National Safe Kids Campaign, and the local fire department to fit 500 kids with MTLA Safety Helmets at the Law Day barbeque.

Read more about their work and other Law Day success stories.

What You Can Do!

1. Talk to schools and civic groups. Now is an excellent time to contact your child’s teacher, local schools, and/or civic groups to set up classroom activities or speaking events around Law Day on May 1st. To help you in your efforts, AAJ has partnered with Street Law, Inc. and the D.C. Street Law Project to develop the course When Justice Is Up to You: Celebrating America's Guarantee of Trial by Jury. This seven-part lesson plan guides young people through the history, traditions, and elements of a jury trial. Each course provides objectives, background information, and handouts.

2. Reach out to local reporters. Law Day is an opportunity to reach out to local reporters and educate them about the importance of the right to trial by jury and the importance of ensuring a level playing field in the courts. To help you start, a sample op-ed, media tips, and speech ideas are below.

3. Participate in local events. Look up what's already planned in your state and contact the event organizer to see how you can help.

4. Spread the word. If you can't work a speaking engagement into your busy schedule, you can simply spread the word about Law Day and the importance of protecting the right to trial by jury. Feel free to print, copy, and/or email the special handouts below or other popular factsheets.

For more information about Law Day, please contact Anna Bell Farrar in AAJ Media Relations at 202-965-3500 ext. 298 or annabell.farrar@justice.org .

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