Kentucky

Justice Daniel J. Venters of the Supreme Court of Kentucky will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 Law Day celebration Friday, May 1, at the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort. The annual event will begin at 10 a.m. in the chamber of the House of Representatives. The event is open to the public and media.

Law Day is a nationally designated day for Americans to celebrate the rule of law. The day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms of Americans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day 51 years ago on May 1, 1958, to strengthen America?s heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In April 1961, Congress passed a joint resolution designating each May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A.

The national theme for this year?s Law Day is A Legacy of Liberty. The theme recognizes the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, who was a lawyer.

?We celebrate on Law Day this year our legacy of liberty,? Justice Venters said. ?Liberty and the rule of law are deeply rooted in the legal and cultural tradition of America. Part of the mission of the legal profession is to keep that tradition alive.?

The Supreme Court of Kentucky will host the Law Day ceremony, which will begin with Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. opening a special court session. Following Justice Venter?s speech, Supreme Court Clerk Susan Stokley Clary will swear in 143 new Kentucky attorneys. The event will also include an awards presentation for individuals who have contributed to law-related education programs. Distinguished guests from federal and state government and various law-related entities will attend the celebration.