Law Day, first established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is a day of national recognition of the principles of law in our government and in our society. Each year, Law Day provides us with an opportunity to promote an enhanced understanding of our legal framework and to underscore its significance in our system of government. This year, in celebration of Law Day, we recognize the “Voices of Democracy”, emphasizing the fundamental role of people in democracy. A democracy, today and in the future, depends on the active engagement of all members of our society. In short, civic engagement is a must.

Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson recently pledged that the Unified Court System will do its part, and perhaps more than its part, to combat the crisis in civics our nation faces by energizing civic engagement (see “Energizing Civic Engagement in New York”, New York Law Journal, Jan. 16, 2024). Sharing that sentiment, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas has envisioned a comprehensive plan to take our New York state courts out into the communities.