Law Day | C-SPAN Classroom

May 1, 1958

On This Day: Law Day

President Dwight D. Eisenhower commemorated the first Law Day on May 1, 1958. Law Day celebrates the importance of the rule of law to the United States. In his proclamation of this day, Eisenhower said, "In a very real sense, the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law."

Clip 1

The Origins of Law Day

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed the origins of Law Day and the importance of the rule of law.

Additional Resources

On This Day in History Handout - Google Docs
Lesson Plan: The Right to an Attorney and the Public Defender System
This lesson provides an overview of the Gideon v. Wainwright case and the current obstacles that the public defender system faces.
Bell Ringer: Criminal Prosecution and the Rule of Law
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed the role of prosecutors and the Department of Justice. He emphasized the importance of prosecutors following the rule of law and differentiating between truth and opinion.

Grades

Middle School High School University