No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom | Americans have long looked to our courts as guardians of our fundamental liberties, protectors of the rights of individuals and political minorities, and arbiters of the Constitution and laws of the land. The more people know about the courts, the greater their esteem for judicial institutions. The 2012 Law Day theme "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom" provides the opportunity to highlight the role of the nation’s courts in our constitutional democracy and to foster public understanding about the judiciary.
To appreciate this year's theme, it is important to consider what "courts" are and what the principles of "justice" and "freedom" represent. In short, it is essential to understand that without our courts, we would have neither justice nor freedom.
One can begin that process of understanding by looking at how these terms are defined legally:
Court: A governmental body consisting of one or more judges who sit to adjudicate disputes and administer justice.
Justice: The fair and proper administration of laws.
Freedom: Having legal and political rights; enjoying political and civil liberty.
Source: Black’s Law Dictionary (Second Edition)
Visit www.lawday.org for more details. Stay tuned for additional resources, including lesson plans, the Law Day Planning Guide, planning tips and resources, and 2012 Themed Law Day products.
| Resources | International Law: 100 Ways It Shapes Our Lives
A readable, easy to understand guide for educators, students and the public that provides examples of "the concrete and specific ways" that international law affects us every day in daily life, leisure, travel, commerce, and education, as well as in public safety and international conflict. From The American Society of International Law. Download the guide.
Dialogue on Law in the 21st Century
Providing lawyers, judges, and teachers with the resources they need to engage students and community members, the Dialogue on Law in the 21st Century explores three topics: reforming American government in the 21st century, music distribution and copyright, and pirates and the law.
Lawyer-Presidents' Quiz
Take the America's Lawyer-Presidents' quiz to learn more about our past presidents. The first person to get all answers correct wins a signed copy of the 2nd edition of America's Lawyer-Presidents: From Law Office to Oval Office.
Junior Judges: Helping Kids Make Smart Choices
This video tape features seven 5-minute vignettes geared toward teaching elementary students to judge for themselves the right thing to do in difficult situations involving cheating, destroying property, stealing, teasing, bullying, drugs and alcohol, and gangs and weapons. Download the curriculum guide. This curriculum guide thoroughly prepares the attorney presenter to facilitate student discussion in these topics.
To retain a copy of the video, please contact Robin E. Knippers at 603-224-6942, ext. 3259. Quantities are limited.
Developed by the ABA Young Lawyers Division
Provided bt the NHBA New Lawyers Committee
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