[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 18 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Pages 724-725]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7548--Law Day, U.S.A., 2002

 April 30, 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

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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 87-20, 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 
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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:31 a.m., May 2, 2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 1, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
6.