On May 7, 2021, Congressman Eric Swalwell will address the community as keynote speaker at the 19th Annual East Bay Law Day event. In addition, amock trial featuring students from De Anza, Kennedy, and Richmond High Schools and Salesian Prep Academy will be judgedbyContra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.
Due to Coivid-19, the event will be held virtually for the first time—from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Law Day is an annual commemoration first held in 1957 when American Bar Association President Charles Rhynesenvisioned a special national day to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.
The following year, Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation.
Law Day was made official in 1961 when Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1st as the official date for celebrating Law Day.
This year’s Law Day theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” “The rule of law is the bedrock of American rights and liberties—in times of calm and unrest alike. The 2021 Law Day theme reminds all of us that we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice”(ABA, 2021).
Besides the speeches and the mock trial, there will also bea breakout session with attorneys and other law enforcement from across the county. The breakout session will focus on the present–day significance of the rule of law.