Law Day
A Lawyer & Judge in Every School – May 1, 2026
The Preamble to the Constitution boldly asserts that the Framers established the Constitution as representatives of “We the People, in Order to Form a More Perfect Union.” On this Law Day, we explore and renew our duties to one another under the Constitution and our democratic norms. The Constitution establishes a framework for government that unites us as one citizenry, through means such as our representative government, jury service, and a regular Census. And through this commitment to our Union, we each provide for the common good through government responses to national crises and natural disasters, and through community and advocacy programs for students and adults.
The Rule of Law and the American Dream
The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. The NH Bar Association encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams.
The following materials are provided by Federal Judiciary Civics Outreach Program
- Candid Conversations – Program Description
- Candid Conversations – Types of Questions
- Candid Conversations – Judge/Attorney Program Description
- Candid Conversations – Teacher / Student Prep
- Candid Conversations – Student Feedback
- Reality Check Quiz – Blank Question Sheet
- Reality Check Quiz – Answers
- Facebook Posts: Harmless Sarcasm or a Serious Threat?
- From Fireworks to Forest Fire
- The Cost of Fake IDs: Are You Willing to Pay With Your Future?
- When a Student Teacher Drinks and Drives
- When Players Gotta Pay
Middle & High School Lesson Plans
- Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying!
- Negotiation for Middle School Students
- Just the Facts – What are the steps in a trial?
- The Three Branches of Government
- What is a Trial? (Grades 5-8 – See Slide Show)
- What does the 4th Amendment Mean to You? (Grades 5-8 – See Slide Show)
- CARE New Hampshire - CARE: Credit Abuse Resistance Education
Sites For Lesson Plans and Ideas
Classroom Presentations
The New Hampshire Bar Civics and Law Outreach Committee wishes to thank Rebecca Fanning, National Educational Outreach Manager of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for sharing these lesson plans.
Ms. Fanning tells first-timers with the program (judges, attorneys, and teachers) that the main thing to remember is that this is a Q/A session. What makes it different, and more meaningful, is that the students and teachers spend one class in small groups drilling down and developing questions that matter to the students. Another thing that makes it different – and sets the tone for a highly interactive, candid experience — is that the judge and attorneys open up about why they chose the law and what their work means to them.
Optimally, we suggest ‘live’ classroom visits, although taught virtually allows judges and attorney volunteers in classrooms no matter how far the schools are from the courthouse.
According to a new national poll conducted by the American Bar Association, less than half of the U.S. public knows that John Roberts is chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, while almost one-quarter think it is Ruth Bader Ginsburg and 16 percent believe it is Clarence Thomas.
The nationally representative poll of 1,000 members of the American public found troubling gaps in their knowledge of American history and government, as well as constitutional rights. One in 10 think the Declaration of Independence freed slaves in the Confederate states and almost 1 in 5 believe the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution are called the Declaration of Independence instead of the Bill of Rights.”