What is Law Day and why do we celebrate it?

Angela Banks

Vice Dean and Charles J. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Law

Angela Banks is a distinguished law professor and immigration scholar whose career spans academia, judicial advising, and legal practice, with extensive publications in leading law journals and academic credentials from Spelman College, Oxford, and Harvard Law School.

Each year on May 1, the United States observes Law Day, a national recognition of the rule of law and its role in shaping our society. Established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Law Day highlights how legal systems support individual rights, structure government authority and sustain democratic institutions.

The 2026 Law Day theme, “The rule of law and the American dream,” brings a focused lens to that purpose. The rule of law – the idea that no person is above the law – creates the conditions that allow individuals to live freely and pursue opportunity. Law Day 2026 invites people in the United States to reflect on how legal systems make it possible for people to build lives, careers and communities grounded in fairness and accountability.

Why do we celebrate the rule of law?

The rule of law provides the structure that allows a society to function fairly and predictably. It ensures that:

• Laws apply equally to all individuals
• Rights are protected through established legal processes
• Government actions are guided and limited by legal frameworks

Law Day emphasizes how these principles support both individual freedom and collective stability. The 2026 theme underscores the connection between legal systems and opportunity, reinforcing how the rule of law makes it possible for people to pursue their goals with confidence in the system around them.

How does Law Day connect to Sandra Day O’Connor’s legacy?

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s career reflects the values recognized on Law Day. As the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, she contributed to decisions that shaped constitutional interpretation and strengthened public trust in the judiciary.

She also championed civic education, recognizing that understanding the law is essential to sustaining it. Her work emphasized that access to justice and public engagement are foundational to a healthy democracy.

At ASU Law, her legacy informs the school’s mission. The Law School emphasizes public service, access to justice and community engagement, reflecting her belief that the law is most effective when it serves the people.

How does ASU Law bring Law Day to life?

Law Day connects directly to how ASU Law approaches legal education and community impact. Students engage with the law through:

• Clinics that provide legal services to individuals and organizations
• Pro bono opportunities that support underserved communities
• Programs focused on civic engagement and public dialogue
• Coursework that builds both legal knowledge and practical skills

These experiences reflect the connection between the rule of law and opportunity. By expanding access to legal resources and education, ASU Law helps create pathways for individuals and communities to pursue their goals within a fair and functioning legal system.

What should Law Day mean for future lawyers?

Law Day highlights the role lawyers play in maintaining and strengthening legal systems. Legal education involves developing the ability to interpret, apply and communicate the law in ways that support individuals and communities.

The 2026 theme reinforces that responsibility. Lawyers contribute to a system that enables people to pursue their ambitions, resolve disputes and participate fully in civic life.

At ASU Law, that preparation includes a focus on service, leadership and practical experience. Graduates enter the profession with an understanding of how the rule of law supports both individual aspirations and the broader public good.