[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 87 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 30307-30308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11245]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 87 / Monday, May 6, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 30307]]

                Proclamation 7548 of April 30, 2002

                
Law Day, U.S.A., 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                One of our Nation's greatest strengths is its 
                commitment to a just, fair legal system and the 
                protection it affords to the rights and freedoms we 
                cherish. On May 1, we observe Law Day to draw attention 
                to the principles of justice and the practice of law. 
                The theme of this year's Law Day, ``Celebrate Your 
                Freedom: Assuring Equal Justice for All,'' acknowledges 
                the essential task of protecting the rights of every 
                American.

                When disputes or conflicts arise, or when persons are 
                charged with violating the law, resolution often occurs 
                within the legal system. Consultation with an attorney 
                is a common first step in this process. Attorneys 
                advise clients of their rights and obligations, suggest 
                possible courses of action, and help their clients to 
                understand legal procedures. Attorneys are zealous 
                advocates on behalf of their clients, helping to ensure 
                that each one receives full and fair representation 
                before the courts. Bar associations and other attorney 
                groups play an important role in maintaining the 
                integrity of our legal system by overseeing admission 
                to the bar and setting standards of discipline for 
                those who practice law.

                Our Founding Fathers believed that a strong and 
                independent judiciary was a cornerstone of democracy. 
                Judges must be men and women of skill, discernment, 
                experience, and character who meet the highest 
                standards of training, temperament, and impartiality. 
                They must understand and honor the powers granted to 
                them under the Constitution, as well as the limits on 
                those powers. In criminal matters, judges help to 
                ensure that the innocent remain free and the guilty are 
                appropriately punished. In civil disputes, judges' 
                decisions help to safeguard the stability of the 
                commercial marketplace and address the grievances of 
                wronged parties. Judges are called upon daily to render 
                decisions that are based upon the law and facts of each 
                case, without regard for popular opinion or political 
                or other extraneous pressures.

                Our forefathers imagined a well-qualified judiciary put 
                in place through a dynamic and constructive interaction 
                between the executive and legislative branches of 
                Government. Under our Constitution, the President 
                selects individuals for nomination to the Federal 
                judiciary and the Senate provides its advice and 
                consent. In all cases, both branches of Government 
                strive to make certain that only men and women of the 
                highest intellect, character, integrity, judgment, and 
                experience are appointed to serve our Nation and its 
                citizens in these critical positions.

                This Law Day, I encourage all Americans to reflect on 
                the vital work performed by our Federal judiciary in 
                upholding the rule of law and on the importance of a 
                robust and independent judiciary in our system of 
                Government.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 
                870920, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2002, as 
                Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all the people of the 
                United States to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and

[[Page 30308]]

                activities. I also call upon Government officials to 
                display the flag of the United States in support of 
                this national observance.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-11245
Filed 05-02-02; 9:31 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P