WASHINGTON, May 1, 2023 — The American Bar Association today celebrates Law Day, the annual observance of the vital role the rule of law plays in our society.
With this year’s Law Day theme, “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration,” we invite the public to join our efforts to rebuild trust in our institutions, respect for one another and a willingness to collaborate to address the challenges that face our nation.
Law Day was established in 1958 as a counterbalance to May Day, where authoritarian regimes celebrated their military might and uncompromising leadership. This year, it is especially important to celebrate the rule of law and reject the rancor that can erode our democracy. In the newly released 2023 ABA Survey of Civic Literacy, 85 percent of respondents said they believe that civility in our society has worsened. We need to do better listening to each other and healing our country.
Law Day provides lawyers with an opportunity to educate the public about the important work we do to make our country more just. Please join us in celebrating Law Day today by rededicating ourselves to building a more civil, collaborative and civic-minded America going forward.
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.