Law Day is celebrated each year on May 1st and honors the rule of law and the American legal system. This year's theme is "Advancing the Rule of Law, Now!" Read on to see how we're celebrating Law Day.

What is Law Day?

Held annually on May 1st, Law Day is a nationally recognized day to celebrate the rule of law and learn about its impact on the American legal process and ideals of democracy, justice, and freedom. Law Day was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 after first envisioned by then-president of the American Bar Association, Charles S. Rhyne.

In 1961, Congress passed a joint resolution establishing May 1st as Law Day, and this was codified as Title 36, Section 113 of the U.S. Code.

Law Day 2021

Each year, the American Bar Association (ABA) chooses a theme to celebrate Law Day. The theme for Law Day 2021 is “Advancing the Rule of Law, Now.” According to the ABA website, “the rule of law” is defined as “a set of principles, or ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society,” or, the idea that “no one is above the law and everyone is treated equally under the law.”

This year’s theme asks participants to consider how all contribute to the promotion and protection of justice and equality. Two essays expand on this theme: "What is power under the rule of law?" by Western Kentucky University history professor Kate Brown and "How the Rule of Law has shaped and continued to shape America" by 2021 National Law Day Chair Will A. Gunn.

The ABA releases educational resources, lesson plans, and other programs to celebrate Law Day and encourage engagement with each year’s theme. In Texas, the State Bar of Texas held a statewide contest for Law Day 2021 in which students were called to reflect on this year’s theme and create visual art and photography.

The Rule of Law

To celebrate, the State Law Library is introducing a video series titled "The Rule of Law" that helps explain basic concepts in Texas law. The videos in the Rule of Law series are as follows:

What is a law?

Legal Information vs. Legal Advice

How do I find a lawyer?

Where should I file my court case?

The Texas Court Structure

We plan on adding to this series in the future, so if there's anything you'd like explained, please let us know! Happy Law Day!