LAW DAY
The United States observes Law Day annually on May 1st as a day to encourage all Americans to reflect on the personal rights and liberties which are enjoyed and exercised daily.
#LAWDAY
Law Day encourages us to reflect the role of law in the foundation of the country and the importance it has on our society. Today, we are asking Americans to focus on every legal rights laid out in the fundamental documents of American democracy–the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Both documents uphold the same rights and freedoms for everyone, concluding the courts.
When is Bill of Rights Day?
8 #LawDay CELEBRATION IDEAS
- Participate in essay writing contests and webinars about the law.
- Explore upcoming bills in your state.
- Challenge yourself to learn more about how a specific law applies to you.
- Expand your awareness of the justice system and how it works.
- Learn how laws are developed.
- Ask an attorney to speak to your classroom.
- Take students to the debate floor of your state legislature.
- Share how you celebrate today on social media using #LawDay.
A LEGAL HISTORY
The American Bar Association receives credit for introducing the idea for Law Day in 1957. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Law Day to be observed each year on May 1. Congress later passed Joint Resolution 87-20 on April 7, 1961.
May 1st Celebrated History
1840
The United Kingdom issued the world’s first adhesive postage stamp called the Penny Black. Sir Rowland Hill first proposed the idea back in 1837 as part of postal reform. At the time, the receiver bore the cost of postage upon delivery, and it could be costly depending on weight and the distance traveled. Fraud was also rampant. The Penny Black cost only a penny (as the name suggests) and the sender paid for the postage at the time of sending. The Penny Black featured a profile image of Queen Victoria. Soon, the idea of pre-paid postage spread around the world and across the pond to the United States.
1884
Catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker makes his major league baseball debut with Toledo of the Association League against Louisville. He is one of the first African Americans to play in the major leagues and when he leaves the league several months later, is the last until Jackie Robinson signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
1941
Orson Welles’ award-winning film Citizen Kane premieres in New York City. Welles’ also starred alongside Joseph Cotton and Dorothy Comingore in a story that follows the rise and fall of publishing magnate.
1971
Nearly 102 years after the transcontinental railroad was completed, Amtrak begins operation. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation is federally supported and provides intercity passenger train service in the United States.
May 1st Celebrated Birthday
Calamity Jane – 1852
Orphaned at a young age, Martha Jane Cannary grew up to be known as the legendary sharpshooter, Calamity Jane. She earned a notorious reputation in the Wild West of Deadwood, South Dakota, for her drunkenness, lawlessness, and relationships with wanted men, including Wild Bill Hickok. However, most of the stories surrounding her life are unverifiable. Later in her life, she would perform in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1893 and in the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.
Anna Jarvis – 1864
Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day in the United States, created the day to honor and fulfill her own mother’s dream. As a result, the day celebrates mothers all over the country and the world.
Scott Carpenter – 1925
A pioneer in space exploration and a member of the Mercury 7 astronauts, Scott Carpenter, became the second American to orbit the Earth. Carpenter left the surface of land behind by being both an astronaut and aquanaut.
Max Robinson – 1939
In 1978, Max Robinson became the first African American broadcast network news anchor when he joined the ABC World News Tonight team.
Judy Collins – 1939
The American singer-songwriter achieved critical success in the 1960s and 70s with hits such as “Both Sides of Now” and “Send in the Clowns.”