Item B13
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: 4/17/02
Bulk Item: Yes_No X
Division: Mayor McCoy
Department: BOCC-3
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Proclamation proclaiming May 1,2002 as Law Day.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
DOCUMENTATION: Included: X
Mayor Charles "So y" MeCoy
To Follow:_Not Required:_
DISPOSITION:
AGENDA ITEM #
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Revised 2/27/0 I
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~roclamation
WHEREAS, L:aw Day began 44 years ago, with a proclamation from President Eisenhower. That first
proclamation eloquently set forth the reasons why we, as a free people, celebrate ~r heritage of liberty under law; and
WHEREAS, President Eisenhower noted that it was "fitting that the people of this Nation should remember with
pride and vigilantly guard the great heritage of liberty, justice and equality under law Which our forefathers bequeathed to
us." He said further that it is "our moral and. civic obligation as free men and as Americans to preserve and strengthen
at great heritage"; and
WHEREAS, we are now engaged in a great struggle to preserve our liberties. Our nation has ~n attacked by
terroristS who scoff at our freedoms, who deprecate the values this great nation was built On. Our democracy, and the
very rule of law, is under att8ck, but it win sulVive, as it has survived other crises in our past, and will emerge stronger
because of the renewed support of the American people; and
WHEREAS, we dedicate ourselves in celebrating Law Day this year, to the great values protected and preserved
in our Constitution; and
WHEREAS, at the same time, let us recognize that democracy is not static, that we must always work to improve
and perfect it. Let us seek to draw ever closer to the ideal cut in stone over the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court:
"Equal Justice Under Law.'
WHEREAS, we resolve that Law Day be an opportunity for all of us, in govemment and the private seelor, to
examine our efforts to make equal justice a reality, and to wo"" together to reach ~ goal; and
WHEREAS, for more than 100 years, American's charitable institutions and foundations, itS lawyers and its
cour1s, and countless others have WOf1ted 10 bring equal justice to as many people as possible; and
WHEREAS, Law Day 2002 is an opportune time 10 recognize the following who try 10 make cour1s accessible
and justice equal:
. Legal aid offices providing legal services 10 those unable 10 afford them
. Pro Bono Publico programs, under Which private lawyers accept worthy cases at no fee
. Lawyer referral programs that help people find appropriate legal services
. Court programs designed 10 inform.the public about laws and legal procedures, provide interpreters for those
who need them, and generally make courts accessible
WHEREAS, we salute these efforts, but let us offer greater support to those who work daily 10 provide Iegat
Services 10 those Who most need theI1l. 'Let us dedicate ourselves to improving our courts and our justice system, so
that we will truly have "justice for an."
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power vested in me as Mayor of Monroe County, Florida, I, CHARLES
'SONNY' MCCOY, do proclaim May 1, 2002 as
LA W DA Y
in Monroe County and urge the people of the Florida Keys and the United States 10 observe the designated day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities, and I especially urge the legal professi ,the press, and the radio, television and
motion picture industries to promote and 10 participate in the observance day.
17'" day of April, 2002,