2012
Judges, lawyers join to promote understanding of the law, courts
Madison, Wisconsin - April 26, 2012
Judges and lawyers throughout Wisconsin will celebrate Law Day on May 1 by meeting with students and the public to promote understanding of the law and the role courts in our democracy.
The theme of Law Day 2012 (external link), as selected by the American Bar Association, is No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom. The theme conveys the idea that without courts, you can't truly have justice or freedom.
As part of the celebration, the State Bar of Wisconsin's Young Lawyers Division (external link) has arranged visits between 26 volunteer lawyers and students from 17 schools. Elsewhere, students will travel to courthouses to observe court proceedings, hold a mock trial or meet with a judge to learn about the courts. In some counties, volunteer lawyers will provide free legal assistance.
"Law Day is an opportunity for everyone involved in the legal community to reach out and promote understanding of the courts and the law and to listen to people's concerns," said Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, who will participate in Law Day activities in Madison, Milwaukee and Merrill.
In Madison, Abrahamson will make opening remarks for Law Day activities at the Dane County Courthouse. Judges and lawyers will present short informative programs during an open house (external link) hosted by circuit court judges and the Dane County Bar Association. Volunteer lawyers also will be on hand to provide free legal consultations at the courthouse.
In Columbia County, circuit court Judge Alan J. White, District Attorney Jane Kohlwey, defense counsel Mark Lawton and other local attorneys have invited high school students to the courthouse for a mock trial and panel discussion.
On May 2 in Milwaukee County, Abrahamson will join Deputy Chief Judge Maxine A. White, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Derek Mosley and attorneys Mark Goldstein and Rob Ricigliano to meet with fifth and sixth graders at Maple Dale School in Fox Point. The Milwaukee Bar Association (external link) also is hosting Law Day activities, including free legal clinics.
On May 4 in Lincoln County, Abrahamson is among presenters at a law fair sponsored by the Optimist Club of Merrill. About 900 students are expected to visit booths and displays sponsored by law-related organizations.
Law Day was formally established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (external link) as an opportunity for everyone to recognize the importance of the law and its role in our democracy.
Contact:
Tom Sheehan
Court Information Officer
(608) 261-6640