Law Day, U.S.A., 2015

Proclamation 9265 of April 30, 2015

Law Day, U.S.A., 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout the world, the rule of law is central to the
promise of a safe, free, and just society. Respect for
and adherence to the rule of law is the premise upon
which the United States was founded, and it has been a
cornerstone of my Presidency. America's commitment to
this fundamental principle sustains our democracy--it
guides our progress, helps to ensure all people receive
fair treatment, and protects our Government of, by, and
for the people.

This Law Day, we celebrate a milestone in the
extraordinary history of the rule of law by marking the
800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Centuries ago,
when kings, emperors, and warlords reigned over much of
the world, it was this extraordinary document--agreed
to by the King of England in 1215--that first spelled
out the rights and liberties of man. The ideals of the
Magna Carta inspired America's forefathers to define
and protect many of the rights expressed in our
founding documents, which we continue to cherish today.

The Magna Carta has also provided a framework for
constitutional democracies throughout the world, and my
Administration is committed to supporting good
governance based upon the rule of law. Around the
globe, we support strong civil institutions,
independent judiciaries, and open government--because
the rule of force must give way to the rule of law. For
more than two centuries, we have witnessed these values
drive opportunity and prosperity here in the United
States, and as President, I will continue to work to
bolster our systems of justice and advance efforts that
do the same overseas.

America is and always has been a nation of laws. Our
institutions of justice are vital to securing the
promise of our country, and they are bound up with the
values and beliefs that have united peoples through the
ages. The United States and our citizens are
inextricably linked to all those around the world doing
the hard work of strengthening the rule of law--joined
in common purpose by our mutual interest in building
freer, fairer, more just societies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with Public Law
87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2015, as
Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to
acknowledge the importance of our Nation's legal and
judicial systems with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, and to display the flag of the United
States in support of this national observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.