Today marks a celebration of law

Did you know today is Law Day? What is that, you ask? Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under law.

Today, Burlington County residents can attend a celebration of Law Day with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, in partnership with the Burlington County Bar Association and New Jersey State Bar Foundation.

This year’s theme is “From the President’s House to the Olde Courthouse: The Legacy of John Adams.”

The program will kick off at 9 a.m. in courtroom 1 at the County office building, located at 49 Rancocas Rd. in Mount Holly. Assignment Judge Ronald E. Bookbinder will read a proclamation to designate May 3 as Law Day.

Vocals will be provided by the Rancocas Valley Regional High School. The J-ROTC unit, under the direction of Cmdr. Bert DeJong, will post and retire the colors.

Following the proclamation, the Burlington County Bar Association will host a presentation on The Legacy of John Adams, moderated by association member Kevin Walker.

Speakers include John Adams, portrayed by Steven Perlman of the National Park Service, who will provide a first-person account of the first U.S. president-lawyer. In recognition of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Adams will recount his personal and public anti-slavery stance.

Burlington County historian Paul W. Schopp will highlight two trials involving fugitive slave cases heard in the historic Olde Burlington Courthouse. Such legal action involving those who sought freedom from their bondage provided a moral imperative for Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the ultimate rationale for fighting the Civil War.

The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required and refreshments will be served.