Lynn marks 50th anniversary of Law Day

LYNN – The Lynn Juvenile Court held its annual Law Day ceremony on Thursday, marking the 50th anniversary of the event.Students from Lynn English and St. Mary’s high schools participated in the event that was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to memorialize the country’s history of liberty, justice and equality under the law.The theme for the day, “The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equality” emphasized the importance of a legal system based upon fair laws and competent lawyers and judges.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. opened up the ceremonies by signing a Law Day proclamation declaring May 1 as Law Day in Lynn.”Law Day provides an opportunity to consider the legal system and how it functions,” he said. “I implore residents or those who go to school in the city to use this day to restate respect for the rule of law.”Students were first treated to a tour of the courthouse, followed by an informational session describing the court process from its employees.Seated in the jury section of the courthouse, representatives of the court painted a picture of the typical path a youth travels if he/she is arrested in the city.From the beginning with Larry Wentzell, school resource officer, to appearing before Honorable Amy L. Nechtem, associate justice in court, students gained a rare glimpse into the court system.Students also submitted essays to the court presenting their position on proposed legislation restricting the use of cellular phones by adults and juveniles while driving a motor vehicle.Whitney Sutherland of Lynn English was presented with a plaque for the first place essay and the other students who participated received certificates of achievement.Reading her award-winning essay, Sutherland said those who drive and talk or text at the same time ultimately cause more harm than good.”No driver should ever take their eyes off of the road by using a cell phone because they are a distraction,” she said. “You could kill or injure someone in the process of having a conversation that could have waited until later.”Associate Justice Michael F. Edgerton presented the Lynn Juvenile Court Law Day Award to Linda F. Azzarito, Esq., and Linda M. Fowler, Esq., Assistant Regional Counsels, for the Department of Social Services in recognition of their commitment to the protection of children.Edgerton said the competency of both attorneys on behalf of children epitomizes the spirit and tradition of Law Day.”Their dedication to ensuring that the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens are protected from abuse and neglect has made a tremendous difference in a great many young lives,” he said.