Law Day, observed annually on May 1st, is a national celebration dedicated to the rule of law and its role in American society. Established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and officially designated by Congress in 1961, this observance highlights how law and legal processes protect our liberties, pursue justice, and contribute to the freedoms of Americans. This year’s theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” emphasizes our collective responsibility to one another under the Constitution and explores how our founding document bridges differences to unite us as a nation.
The American Bar Association (ABA) offers several resources and events to commemorate Law Day 2025. For complete information about Law Day resources and registration for these events, visit the ABA Law Day page.
- A special program featuring Justice Stephen Breyer and Richard Haass (former president of the Council on Foreign Affairs) on May 1, 2025
- A special Rule of Law live show with the Civics 101 podcast
- Educational materials exploring the Constitution
The New York State Unified Court System is also celebrating Law Day through its annual art contest for high school students across the state. The contest, organized in partnership with the Historical Society of the New York Courts, invites students to create artwork inspired by this year’s “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One” theme. For contest rules, registration forms, and submission guidelines, visit the New York State Unified Court System’s Law Day Art Contest Page.
Participants will:
- Receive a certificate and pocket United States Constitution
- Have the opportunity to win cash prizes
- Potentially have their artwork featured on the NYS Unified Court System’s Law Day webpage
- Compete first at the judicial district level, with district winners advancing to statewide competition
We thank all members working in New York City’s legal agencies who uphold the values of Law Day through their everyday work protecting the rule of law, due process, and citizens’ rights:
- NYC Law Department
- Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
- Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)
- NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)
- NYC Department of Investigation (DOI)
- Board of Correction (BOC)
- Human Resources Administration – Office of Civil Justice (OCJ)
- Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ)
- Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV)
- NYC Department of Probation (DOP)
- Office of the Public Advocate
- NYC Sheriff’s Office
