Recognize Law Day in NY

Senate Resolution No. 1654 BY: Senator BONACIC RECOGNIZING Monday, May 1, 2017, as Law Day U.S.A. in the State of New York WHEREAS, For over two centuries, our State and Nation have adhered to the rule of law as the foundation for a safe, free, and just society; seeking to formally recognize this tradition, President Eisenhower established Law Day in 1958, as "a day of national dedication to the principles of government under the law"; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body celebrates the importance of Law Day U.S.A. in the State of New York; in doing so, we, as citizens, of this great State and Nation, recommit ourselves to the rule of law and to upholding the fundamental principles enshrined in our founding documents; and WHEREAS, Law Day, U.S.A. was announced to put a strong emphasis on the importance of a well-structured law system and rules, in order to lead a nations to success and peace; and WHEREAS, The theme of this year's Law Day U.S.A. "The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy" provides the opportunity to explore the many ways the Fourteenth Amendment has reshaped American law and society; and WHEREAS, Through its Citizenship, Due Process and Equal Protection clauses, this transformative amendment advanced the rights of all Americans; it also played a pivotal role in extending the reach of the Bill of Rights to the states; and WHEREAS, Ratified during Reconstruction a century and a half ago, the Fourteenth Amendment serves as the cornerstone of landmark civil rights legislation, the foundation for numerous federal court decisions protecting fundamental rights, and a source of inspiration for all those who advocate for equal justice under law; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring that the citizens of New York State understand, remain dedicated to, and are protected by the principles of government under the law; now; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize Monday, May 1, 2017, as Law Day U.S.A. in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Linda A. Klein, President, American Bar Association; and Claire P. Gutekunst, President, New York State Bar Association.