WASHINGTON, April 20, 2023 — In celebration of Law Day, the American Bar Association will present results from the fifth ABA Survey of Civic Literacy during a live online event on Thursday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
The survey measures the American public’s civics knowledge as well as their views on a range of topical issues. This year’s results include the public’s knowledge on how government works and what people think about civility in society as well as collaboration among political leaders on issues such as Social Security, gun rights and reproductive rights.
“The 2023 ABA Survey of Civic Literacy gathered public opinion about civility and the willingness to compromise,” said ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross. “Our country is experiencing a period of divisiveness. Learning how the American government works and developing an understanding of civics, civility and collaboration — the cornerstones of our great democracy — will help us all build a better society.”
Enix-Ross will moderate the program, and a panel of experts will discuss the results on civility and elected officials’ willingness to compromise. Panelists include Donna Hicks, an associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and author of “Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People”; Eugene Meyer, president and CEO of the Federalist Society, an organization of lawyers, law students, scholars and others who believe citizens can make the best choices for themselves and society; and Judge Adrienne C. Nelson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and chair of the ABA Cornerstones of Democracy Commission.
What: ABA 2023 Survey of Civic Literacy results
When: Thursday, April 27, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT
Where: Online
The event is free and open to members of the media and the public, but registration is required. For media credentialing, contact Betsy Adeboyejo at 202-662-1039 or [email protected]. The public can register here.
The ABA Law Day theme is “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility and Collaboration.”
About Law Day
Envisioned in 1957 by then-ABA President Charles S. Rhyne as a national day to recognize the country’s commitment to the rule of law, Law Day was established by President Dwight Eisenhower the following year. Congress issued a joint resolution in 1961 designating May 1 as the official Law Day. Many civic groups and bar associations celebrate with programs, presentations and events. Visit the ABA’s Law Day website for Law Day resources.
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.