Law Day 2026: “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

The 2026 Law Day theme is The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. The ABA encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams.

Read more about Law Day at the American Bar Association.
 

DCBA Law Day Luncheon - May 1, 2026

The DCBA Law Day Luncheon is Friday, May 1st at Maceli's Banquet Hall.  Doors open at 11:30 with lunch & program to begin at 12:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION FOR LAW DAY 2026 WILL OPEN SOON!

History and Purpose

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the first Law Day Proclamation to strengthen our great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. Charles S. Rhyne, then president of the American Bar Association, delivered a Law Day speech in a radio broadcast for Voice of America on the first Law Day, May 1, 1958. In 1961, May 1 was designated by Joint Resolution of Congress as the official date for celebrating Law Day, U.S.A.

Each Law Day is built around a central theme. Programs and ideas spurred by the theme make Law Day informative and fun for students, the legal community, and the community at large.

Liberty Bell Award

The Liberty Bell Award acknowledges outstanding community service. It is given to recognize a person who has promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, and contributed to good government in the community. The awards are made by individual Law Day programs, not by the American Bar Association.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 WILL OPEN SOON!

List of DCBA Liberty Bell Award recipients.
 

Law Day Archives

Featured
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Law Day 2016

The 2016 Law Day Luncheon was held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Maceli's Banquet Hall, 1031 New Hampshire Street. The 2016 Law Day theme was Miranda: More than Words. 

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Law Day 2014

The 2014 Law Day theme was "American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters". As we approach the 50th anniversaries of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 2014 Law Day theme calls on every American to reflect on the importance of the right to vote and the challenges we still face in ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in our democracy.

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Law Day 2013

The 2013 Law Day theme was Realizing the Dream: Equality for All", a reflection on the work that has been done and remains to be done to rectify injustice, eliminate discrimination, and uphold basic human rights.

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Law Day 2012

This year's theme was "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom: America's courtrooms must be open to keep the wheels of justice turning".

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Law Day 2011

This year's theme was "The Legacy of John Adams, from Boston to Guantanamo".
Law Day 2010 (and earlier)

This year's Law Day theme was Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenge. Kansas Attorney General Steve Six was the featured speaker.