About the 2018 Law Day Theme
Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom
The U.S. Constitution sets out a system of government with distinct and independent branches—Congress, the Presidency, and a Supreme Court. It also defines legislative, executive, and judicial powers and outlines how they interact. These three separate branches share power, and each branch serves as a check on the power of the others. “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” James Madison explained in Federalist 51. Why? Madison believed that the Constitution’s principles of separation of powers and checks and balances preserve political liberty. They provide a framework for freedom. Yet, this framework is not self-executing. We the people must continually act to ensure that our constitutional democracy endures, preserving our liberties and advancing our rights. The Law Day 2018 theme enables us to reflect on the separation of powers as fundamental to our constitutional purpose and to consider how our governmental system is working for ourselves and our posterity.
Register for the free Leon Jaworski Public Program held on May 1 in Washington D.C.!
Law Day 2018 Presidential Proclamation
Law Day 2018 Planning Resources
Download the 2018 Law Day Planning Guide
Explore the 2018 Law Day Dialogues
Are You Planning a Law Day Event In Your Community?
- Click here to find sample resources that you can modify to suit your needs and promote your local event.
- Want to have your event featured on our 2018 Law Day Calendar page? Click here to fill out a short questionnaire that will provide us with details about your event!
Are You Looking for Law Day Events to Attend in Your Area?
Contact us to get connected to a local network.
2017 Award Winners
A great deal of effort, hard work, and creativity goes into planning and implementing Law Day activities. Take a look at our 2017 Law Day Outstanding Activity Award winners to learn about how they planned activities around the theme, "The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy."
Law Day Products
Law Day 2018-themed products are now available in the ABA Webstore. Items include t-shirts, mugs, bags, postcards, and more. Shop today while supplies last.
Download Law Day Artwork
View ABA President Hilarie Bass's Law Day 2018 Message
FAQs About Law Day
What is Law Day?
Law Day is held on May 1st every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Learn more about the history of Law Day and past themes here.
How can I receive updates about Law Day 2018?
Click here to sign up for updates and announcements as we gear up for the 2018 Law Day theme. Be the first to know when Law Day planning guides, teaching resources, products, and other useful items become available.
Where can I find Law Day products?
Law Day products are available in the ABA Webstore. Shop while supplies last. Sign up for updates to learn more about product availability.
