“The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy” was the theme of this year’s Law Day, which has grown from one day (May 1) when it was envisioned in 1957 by then ABA President Charles S. Rhyne, to weeks of events conducted by bar associations, courts, schools, and other organizations to celebrate the rule of law.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 during Reconstruction, defined U.S. citizenship, ensured due process, and required equal protection under the law.
This year’s Leon Jaworski Public Program, held each year in Washington on Law Day, featured a panel discussing key cases, legislation and issues related to the 14th Amendment. Those appearing on the panel were (from left): moderator Jeffrey Rosen, president and chief executive officer, National Constitution Center; Laura Edwards, professor of history, Duke University; Roger L. Gregory, chief judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; Daniel R. Ortiz, professor of law and director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, University Virginia Law School; and Michael Tigar, emeritus professor of law, Duke University School of Law and American University Washington College of Law.