DANE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2012
CONTACT:
Dane County Bar Association
(608) 848-1950
law@dcba.net
LAW DAY 2012
COURTS OPEN TO CITIZENS
DANE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT and BAR ASSOCIATION
On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, the public is invited to the Dane County
courthouse to learn how the judicial system works, how the public's
rights are protected, and what legal resources may be available. Circuit
court and appellate court judges, law enforcement personnel, attorneys,
court staff, and citizens will present short informative programs about
the role and work of the courts, mock trials, and guided courthouse
tours. The Dane County Bar Association and Dane County's Circuit
Court Judges are hosting this annual open house for Law Day from 3:00
p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The American Bar Association theme for Law Day 2012 is "No Courts,
No Justice, No Freedom." This theme is focused on the important
role that courts play in our lives. "Too many people whose lives
are deeply affected by the courts are not familiar with their work. One
of the Bar Association's missions is helping the public understand
the legal system. The courts are their courts, not lawyers or
judges' courts," said Attorney Ruth Westmont, Courthouse Chair
of the Dane County Bar Association.
The Law Day program is the latest in an annual observance which has
been occurring for more than 55 years. President Dwight D.
Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958. In continued
observance of this tradition the Dane County courthouse opens its doors
to the public on May 1. Volunteer attorneys will be available in the
Legal Resource Center, located in Room L1007 of the courthouse,
for free consultations. Throughout the courthouse, judges, attorneys,
and volunteers will staff stations and provide explanations about
courtroom procedures, the jury process, and courtroom technology and
security.
"We find that many people coming to court are very unfamiliar with
how the judicial process works," said Circuit Court Judge Amy R.
Smith. "We hope that people come to court with respect for the law,
but without fear of the system. We want people to know how we decide
important cases that affect them."
Persons interested in a courthouse tour are encouraged to register by
contacting the Dane County Bar Association, Bob or Le Jordan, Executive
Coordinators, by email at law@dcba.net or phone (608) 848-1950.
Middle and high school students interested in participating as jurors
in a mock trial should contact the Dane County Bar Association, Bob or
Le Jordan, Executive Coordinators, by email at law@dcba.net
or phone (608) 848-1950.
The Dane County Courthouse is located at 215 South Hamilton Street in
Madison. Contact the Legal Resource Center at (608) 266-6316 with
questions about Law Day or locating the Courthouse.
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