Reconciling Law Day and May Day ?

Today on May 1ST in Chicago, thousands of people are expected to march dowtown for immigrant rights. Over the last couple years these marches in major U.S. cities have almost become a tradition. This harkens back to the historical links that Chicago has with the origin of May 1ST as an international  workers’ holiday.( See May Day as the Labor Day )

However, ever since President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed "May 1 Law Day, U.S.A.",  in 1958, stating that  “…free people can assure the blessings of liberty for themselves only if they recognize the necessity that the rule of law shall be supreme and that all men shall be equal before the law.”  May 1St has been officially celebrated in the U.S. as Law Day, as codified by Public Law 87-20 in 1961.  The American Bar Association   (ABA) has taken the lead in popularizing & celebrating Law Day.

Interestingly, the theme chosen by the ABA for the 2008 celebration seems to bring the spirit of both these manifestations of the May 1ST holiday, together !  Not necessarily in full agreement but at least in mutual support for common goals.

The theme of Law Day 2008 is:

The Rule of Law: Foundations for Communities of Opportunity and Equity.

"Many people do not make the connection between the rule of law and their daily lives—their safety, jobs, health, education, and infrastructure. Advancing the rule of law helps achieve an array of public benefits. We all have a stake in the rule of law,and we all can do our part to strengthen it.

The rule of law refers to a system of self-government with a strong and accessible legal process. It features a system based on fair, publicized, broadly understood and stable laws, and diverse, competent, and independent lawyers and judges. This foundation is essential to foster sustainable communities of opportunity and equity.

Without the rule of law, individuals are consigned to live in societies characterized by violence, poverty, illness, and ignorance."

Source : ABA Law Day, May 1, 2008 brochure