MASSACHUSETTS COURTS OBSERVE LAW DAY

          Many courts throughout Massachusetts hosted educational programs in observance of Law Day, May 1, to celebrate the importance of the American legal system and the rule of law. This year, the American Bar Association’s Law Day theme, “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy,” focused on civic education for young people. Judges and court staff, lawyers, legislators, state and local government officials, teachers, students, law enforcement and community leaders participated in the events. Law Day programs featured inspirational speeches, mock trials, essay, art and poster contests, courthouse observations and tours, and celebrity appearances.

 

         The following photos showcase some of the celebrations held at Massachusetts courts to recognize Law Day.

(compiled from submissions to the Public Information Office)

 

West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court

 

       The 9th Annual Law Day Celebration at the West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court was held on April 27. Activities included a poster and essay contest for fifth and sixth grade students, who had participated in the Court’s “Straight Ahead Program” throughout the year; motivational remarks by guest speaker Travis Roy, former Boston University hockey player; and a presentation of the Diane Halperin Memorial Award to Tony Saroufim. The award is presented to a member of the community who exemplifies the ideals of volunteerism and community action. The Lawrence Session of the Essex County Juvenile Court also celebrated Law Day on April 30, which featured remarks by Essex County Juvenile Court Judge Jose Sanchez and Judge Mark Newman, Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan, and Lawrence Superintendent of Schools Wilfredo Laboy.

 

See photo from West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court

 

Lynn Juvenile Court

 

       Juvenile Court Chief Justice Martha P. Grace spoke to students from Lynn English High School and St. Mary’s High School at the Lynn Juvenile Court’s Law Day ceremonies on April 30. Lynn Juvenile Court Judge Amy Nechtem presented first prize awards to the winning stu dents of the court’s essay contest. Judge Michael F. Edgerton presented the Lynn Juvenile Court Law Day Award to the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts in Lynn.

See photo from Lynn Juvenile Court

 

Boston Municipal Court

 

       On May 1, Boston Municipal Court Chief Justice Charles R. Johnson and BMC judges met with middle school and high school students from Peabody, Revere, and Shrewsbury at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse as part of a “Three Branches of Government” program, in partnership with the Supreme Judicial Court, the Administrative Office of the Trial Court, the Massachusetts Judges Conference, and the Massachusetts Bar Association. Following their courtroom observations, the students questioned the judges and lawyers to gain a better understanding of the judicial process. The youngsters also met with Representative Eugene O’Flaherty at the State House.

See photos from Boston Municipal Court

 

 

 

Hampden Juvenile Court

 

       Local high school students participated in an essay contest, and the winners were honored at a Law Day ceremony on May 1. Attorneys visited classrooms and talked to students about the significance of a rule of law in a constitutional democracy.

See photo from Hampden Juvenile Court

 

 

 

Hingham District Court

 

       The Plymouth County Bar Association presented its annual Law Day program at the Hingham District Court on May 1 with District Court Chief Justice Lynda M. Connolly and Lt. Governor Timothy Murray. Other speakers included District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Hingham Police Officer Robert Ramsey. L. Russell Hodgdon, President of the Plymouth County Bar Association, presented the Liberty Bell award to Judge Mary Amrhein in recognition of her efforts as chair of the Law Day Committee for the past 12 years. Among the guests were State Representative Garrett M. Bradley and State Representative Walter Timilty. Awards were presented to the student winners of the essay and poster contests.

See photos from Hingham District Court

 

Stoughton District Court

 

       First Justice Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. provided opening remarks on May 1 at Stoughton District Court. The Stoughton High School Choral sang the National Anthem while students from West Elementary School, E.A. Jones Elementary School, Sharon High School, and Xaverian Brothers High School took part. Awards presented included the Amicas Curiae Award to Probation Office Supervisor Barbara Roberts and the Pro Bono Publico Award to Attorney Paul Freitas.

See photo from Stoughton District Court

 

Suffolk Superior Court

 

       Superior Court Chief Justice Barbara J. Rouse and Superior Court Judge Peter W. Agnes, Jr, spoke to jurors on May 1 about the significance of Law Day and the importance of educating young people about the judicial system and the principles of democracy.

See photo from Suffolk Superior Court

 

Ipswich District Court

 

       On May 3, members of the Ipswich High School Brass Quartet and the Little Women String Quartet performed the Star-Spangled Banner to an audience, which included Ipswich and Newburyport District Court Judges and staff, and Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Brad Hill. Members of the Ipswich Mock Trial Team presented the opening, closing, and cross-examination of a recent competition case.

See photo from Ipswich District Court

Quincy District Court

 

       Quincy District Court’s traditional Law Day celebration, held on May 3, featured Attorney General Martha Coakley as the keynote speaker and former Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti, who received the Rabbi Jacob Mann award for social justice. Police officers were honored for heroic acts, and high school students were recognized for their award-winning essays.

See photos from Quincy District Court