Lynn Juvenile Court to hold Law Day May 1

LYNN – The Lynn Juvenile Court will conduct its annual Law Day ceremonies next Friday, May 1, welcoming students from St. Mary’s and Lynn English High School.Students will arrive and tour the courtroom at 8:45 a.m. followed by formal law ceremonies at 9 a.m.Students have submitted essays to the court on the Law Day 2009 theme, which is “A Legacy of Liberty – Celebrating Lincoln’s Bicentennial.”The 2009 ceremonies are dedicated to the memory of the country’s 16th president as America celebrates his 200th birthday this year.Famous for his eloquence and honesty, Lincoln led the country through the Civil War and oversaw the abolition of slavery. Prior to his presidency, Lincoln dedicated much of his adult life to studying and practicing law.Awards will be presented to students who submit the best essays, ones that detail how Lincoln’s impact can still be felt today.Representatives of the court, law enforcement, Office of Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, the Department of Children and Families and private counsel will explain their duties and responsibilities to the students and attempt to steer interested students on the right path of studying law and the justice system.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. will open the ceremonies by signing a Law Day proclamation in the city of Lynn, while other local dignitaries are expected to attend.In addition to the student awards, the Lynn Juvenile Court Law Day Award will be presented to the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Children and Family Law Program (CAFL), Salem Office, in recognition of their diligent and tireless commitment to the protection of children and families.According to court officials, the award is being presented because the competent and professional advocacy undertaken by the CAFL of Salem “epitomizes the spirit and tradition of Law Day.”First established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen the country’s liberty, heritage, justice and equality under the law, National Law Day is celebrated in courtrooms across all 50 states with a variety of ceremonies and functions that celebrate American freedoms granted to citizens of the United States.The ceremonies will take place beginning at 8:45 a.m. at the Lynn Juvenile Court, 139 Central Ave. All regularly scheduled court activity for May 1 will begin at noon.