Planning & Publicizing your Event
The Law Day theme provides an excellent opportunity to engage diverse audiences throughout the community in meaningful discussions related to the theme.
Law Day 2021
The 2021 Law Day theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” *In response to COVID-19, the ABA Division for Public Education is adapting Law Day plans to protect public health.
Advancing the Rule of Law Now
The rule of law is the bedrock of American rights and liberties—in times of calm and unrest alike. The 2021 Law Day theme—Advancing the Rule of Law, Now—reminds all of us that we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice.
Sign up - For UpdatesWhat 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.
Planning your Law Day
Have a Conversation About the Law Day Theme
Join a national virtual conversation about advancing the rule of law now by submitting your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on what the Law Day theme means to you. Whether you have an idea for a short video, song, poem, or hope to have a heartfelt conversation with family, friends, or colleagues, it is all welcome this Law Day.
Sample Proclamation
Looking to promote your own Law Day Event? Click here to view a sample proclamation.
Welcome to Law Day 2021
ABA President Patricia Lee Refo
The rule of law—the idea that no one is above the law and everyone is treated equally under the law—ensures an orderly and just society. The ABA stands for the rule of law. Stand with us.
Planning your Law Day
Planning & Publicizing your Event
The Law Day theme provides an excellent opportunity to engage diverse audiences throughout the community in meaningful discussions related to the theme.
Digital Resources
Although you can't attend public events, we still have digital resources to help you plan a successful Law Day!
Have a Conversation About the Law Day Theme
Join a national virtual conversation about advancing the rule of law now by submitting your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on what the Law Day theme means to you. Whether you have an idea for a short video, song, poem, or hope to have a heartfelt conversation with family, friends, or colleagues, it is all welcome this Law Day.
Sample Proclamation
Looking to promote your own Law Day Event? Click here to view a sample proclamation.
Law Day Products
Merchandise | General Merchandise
Liberty Bell Award Plaque
Merchandise | General Merchandise
Law Day 2020 Backpack
Merchandise | General Merchandise
Law Day Gavel Stress Reliever
What is the Rule of Law?
The rule of law is a set of principles, or ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society. Many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all.
Read - MorePast Themes & Related Resources
View past Law Day themes back to 1969, as well as access past planning guides, Dialogues for students, and the presidential proclamations archive.
Law Day Outstanding Activity Awards
2020 Law Day Award Recipients
A great deal of effort, hard work, and creativity goes into planning and implementing Law Day activities. Take a look at our 2020 Law Day Outstanding Activity Award winners to learn about how they planned activities around the theme.
2019 Law Day Award Recipients
A great deal of effort, hard work, and creativity goes into planning and implementing Law Day activities. Take a look at our 2019 Law Day Outstanding Activity Award winners to learn about how they planned activities around the theme.
About the Law Day Awards
This program lets outstanding state and local programs get the national recognition they deserve. Awards are given to programs that have found creative ways of reaching out to schools and the community, and have forged strong partnerships with other groups to deliver the message about the benefits of the rule of law.