[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7548]

Proc. 7548

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

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          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