Chief Justice Initiates Annual Law Day Event in Sacramento

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, members of the state Judicial Council, and other court leaders commemorate Law Day in Sacramento on May 8 at Constitution Wall Courtyard in Sacramento. Located at the California Museum, Constitution Wall is the state capital’s largest public art installation and a monument to the freedoms guaranteed to all Californians. The site of the event is the courtyard adjacent to the offices of the Secretary of State. (map)

The event is the first of annual official commemorations of Law Day by the Chief Justice. President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958 to mark the nation's commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation's commitment to the rule of law. Law Day events traditionally are held throughout  the month (visit lawday.org  for details).

In recognition of the funding crisis for courts in nearly every state, the theme for Law Day 2012 is "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom." Courts in California have been cut $653 million since 2008, a reduction of about 30 percent.

Joining court leaders at the May 8 event will be other elected representatives and bar leaders, as well as JusticeCorps volunteers, civics education teachers and students, and librarians who help promote Law Day annually. The program also includes presentation of the "Chief Justice’s Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership" to the Open Courts Coalition. This award honors an individual or entity deserving of special recognition for outstanding service to the judicial branch.

• Date and Time: Tuesday, May 8, 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m. 
• Location:  Secretary of State Constitutional Wall Courtyard, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento (map)

Space is limited. Please RSVP to lawdayrsvp@jud.ca.gov by Monday, Apr 23