The American Bar Association chose “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All” as the theme for Law Day 2013 to mark the 150th anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The American Bar Association chose “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All” as the theme for Law Day 2013 to mark the 150th anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Ohioans will celebrate Law Day on May 1 at events across the state.

In 1957, American Bar Association President Charles S. Rhyne envisioned a special day to celebrate the U.S. legal system. President Eisenhower established Law Day in 1958 as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law. In 1968, Congress designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.

This year’s theme, “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All,” marks the 150th anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. The ABA notes that Law Day 2013 “will provide an opportunity to explore the movement for civil and human rights in America and the impact it has had in promoting the ideal of equality under the law.”

In recognizing the purpose of Law Day, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said: “It is important that we take this time each year to reflect on the rule of law. This year’s theme is particularly appropriate as we celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation.”

Among the activities in which Supreme Court justices are participating:

• Justice Terrence O’Donnell will participate as a lector at the annual Red Mass celebration at St. Joseph Cathedral on May 1 in Columbus.
• Justice Judith L. French will be the guest speaker at the Sandusky County Bar Association Law Day Celebration at its monthly luncheon meeting on May 3 in Fremont.
• Justice William M. O’Neill will speak at the Athens County Law Day Celebration May 1 in Athens and at the Medina County Law Day celebration on May 17 in Medina.

In addition, Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon will speak on May 1 at the dedication of the newly renovated section of the Morrow County courthouse and courtroom in Mount Gilead.

Other events around the state will also feature distinguished guests, including:

• Former Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Nathaniel R. Jones will serve as the keynote speaker at the Mahoning County Bar Association Law Day luncheon on May 1 in Youngstown.
• Steven Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the City Club of Cleveland Law Day celebration on May 3 in Cleveland.
• David Singleton, Executive Director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, will serve as guest speaker at the Dayton Bar Association Law Day celebration on May 1 in Dayton.

For more details on the events listed above, including exact times and locations, please contact the Office of Public Information at 614.387.9250.

For more information about Law Day, visit the ABA’s website at: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/initiatives_awards/law_day.html.