President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958 to mark the nation's commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day, which is subsequently codified (U.S. Code, Title 36, Section 113). Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation's commitment to the rule of law.
The 2018 theme celebrates the separation of powers. The U.S. Constitution puts forth a system of government with three "separate but equal branches" - the Presidency, Congress, and a Supreme Court. For the Founding Fathers, this structure preserved political liberty with each separate branch sharing power while serving as a check on the power of the others. Yet, this power is not self-executing; it relies on political leaders and citizens alike to ensure that separation is maintained and democracy endures.
For the City Club's annual Law Day forum, presented in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, join us as Senator Patrick Leahy reflects on the importance of the separation of powers to our freedom and the long-term sustainability of our democracy.
Patrick Leahy
U.S. Senator for Vermont
