LANSING — State Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton) introduced House Resolution 67 today declaring May 1, 2017, as Law Day in the state of Michigan. Law Day was first recognized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. In 1961, Congress designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Since then, every president has proclaimed May 1 as the national celebration of Law Day in the United States.
“The success of our state and our nation rely on the sanctity of our rule of law,” Rep. Sneller said. “I am proud to introduce this resolution on behalf of the Genesee County Bar Association and to recognize the vital role that our laws play in our lives every day.”
Every year, Law Day recognizes a different theme in its efforts to celebrate our nation’s laws. Past themes have focused on citizens’ Miranda rights, the Magna Carta and law in the 21st century. The theme for Law Day 2017 is “The Fourteenth Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” The American Bar Association, which determines the theme for Law Day every year, hopes this theme will allow people to be better informed on how the Fourteenth Amendment has molded American law and society. With the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses, the Fourteenth Amendment is considered the foundation for civil rights legislation in the United States.
“As Americans, we take pride in emphasizing equality under the law,” Rep. Sneller said. “As a lawmaker, however, it is important to me that I introduce this legislation to remind my colleagues about the significance of our work in the state’s Capitol. It is an honor to introduce this legislation, and I appreciate my colleagues’ support.”
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