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Law Day
Each year, the Superior Court of New Jersey - Essex Vicinage organizes its annual Law Day Celebration. This annual program was initiated in 1997 and typically takes place during the first week in May. The Law Day program was developed and implemented by the Essex Law Day Committee composed of judges and staff as well as representatives from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the Essex County Bar Association. Events are planned around a theme that the American Bar Association selects every year and include a Mock Trial Program and art and essay contests.
Essex County public schools are invited to participate in the events. For the Mock Trial Program, a judge, two attorneys and a Sheriff's Officer are assigned to a participating school. The program is a two-hour courtroom exercise in which the judge and attorneys lead students through a mock trial based on the Law Day theme. The students assume the roles of the parties, witnesses and jurors and the courtroom drama is played out.
In addition, students may submit art, essays and poetry that capture the spirit of the Law Day theme.
Law Day provides the court with an opportunity to educate the community about our great laws and system of government. Specifically, Essex County students are exposed to our courts in a fun and meaningful way. The Law Day event in the Essex Vicinage has enjoyed great success and in 2006 won the an Outstanding Activity Award from the American Bar Association. In 2007, the Vicinage celebrated the 10th year Anniversary of the Mock Trial Program.
Schools that are interested in learning more about Law Day may contact the Office of the Ombudsman at (973) 693-5725/5774/5728.