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.