WHEREAS, Law Day is an occasion of public acknowledgment of our nation’s and state’s heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress has statutorily designated May 1 as the annual day for the commemoration of Law Day; and
WHEREAS, the American Bar Association has designated the 2021 Law Day theme to be Advancing the Rule of Law Now in recognition that no one is above the law; and
WHEREAS, the rule of law is a set of principles, or ideals for ensuring an orderly and just society; and
WHEREAS, many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all; and
WHEREAS, promoting public understanding of the full and equal exercise of the rule of law by all citizens is an important component in the civic education of the people of the United States and of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Bar Association, with approximately 17,562 members, including 5,894 members of its Young Lawyers Division, encourages North Carolina students in grades three through twelve to participate in law-related competitions held in conjunction with its annual Law Day Celebration; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina and the United States are better places to live because of our strong commitment to, and tradition of, liberty and justice, and because of the contributions of dedicated members of the legal profession; this year proudly marks the 63rd observance of Law Day;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2021, as “LAW DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.