For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 1, 2002
Law Day, U.S.A., 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
One of our Nation's greatest strengths is its commitment to a just,
fair legal system and the protection it affords to the rights and
freedoms we cherish. On May 1, we observe Law Day to draw attention to
the principles of justice and the practice of law. The theme of this
year's Law Day, "Celebrate Your Freedom: Assuring Equal Justice for
All," acknowledges the essential task of protecting the rights of every
American.
When disputes or conflicts arise, or when persons are charged with
violating the law, resolution often occurs within the legal system.
Consultation with an attorney is a common first step in this process.
Attorneys advise clients of their rights and obligations, suggest
possible courses of action, and help their clients to understand legal
procedures. Attorneys are zealous advocates on behalf of their
clients, helping to ensure that each one receives full and fair
representation before the courts. Bar associations and other attorney
groups play an important role in maintaining the integrity of our legal
system by overseeing admission to the bar and setting standards of
discipline for those who practice law.
Our Founding Fathers believed that a strong and independent
judiciary was a cornerstone of democracy. Judges must be men and women
of skill, discernment, experience, and character who meet the highest
standards of training, temperament, and impartiality. They must
understand and honor the powers granted to them under the Constitution,
as well as the limits on those powers. In criminal matters, judges
help to ensure that the innocent remain free and the guilty are
appropriately punished. In civil disputes, judges' decisions help to
safeguard the stability of the commercial marketplace and address the
grievances of wronged parties. Judges are called upon daily to render
decisions that are based upon the law and facts of each case, without
regard for popular opinion or political or other extraneous pressures.
Our forefathers imagined a well-qualified judiciary put in place
through a dynamic and constructive interaction between the executive
and legislative branches of Government. Under our Constitution, the
President selects individuals for nomination to the Federal judiciary
and the Senate provides its advice and consent. In all cases, both
branches of Government strive to make certain that only men and women
of the highest intellect, character, integrity, judgment, and
experience are appointed to serve our Nation and its citizens in these
critical positions.
This Law Day, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the vital
work performed by our Federal judiciary in upholding the rule of law
and on the importance of a robust and independent judiciary in our
system of Government.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby
proclaim May 1, 2002, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of
the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag
of the United States in support of this national observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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