Many of you took time to recognize Law Day on May 1. Certainly an important day in the lives of lawyers around the world. Too often, in the rush to get to our growing to-do list, we don’t take time out and reflect. To me, that’s what Law Day is all about.
Sure, for people not involved in the daily practice of law in one way or another, Law Day is kind of like Arbor Day. The importance is recognized, but doesn’t result in much action. However, I suggest that some action is necessary. After all, where would we be without the law? Anarchy, destruction, and societal devolution is the likely outcome. So, what keeps that from happening now?
As we all know, law only has the power people give it. From the Declaration of Independence, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” So, the government and the law only has the power the people give it. Therefore, really, we are all involved in the law. Except those that choose to ignore it. The ‘outlaws’ if you will. And even they are subject to the laws themselves, whether they choose to obey them or not.
In terms of action for Law Day, well, that’s up to you. Thank a lawyer. Thank your local government representative. Or just post a tweet or something on Facebook or Instagram. Because, like trees, the law is typically a presumed benefit. We all have a tendency to take it for granted.