Champaign County Celebrates Law Day with Student Activities

Annual event honors the rule of law and its importance to the American Dream

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:50am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a gavel repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the core symbol of the legal system. Vibrant neon colors like electric blue, hot pink, and sunshine yellow overlap with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the everyday object of a gavel into modern pop art.A celebratory pop art interpretation of the gavel, the iconic symbol of the American legal system, honors the rule of law and its vital role in upholding the nation's democratic ideals.Champaign Today

Champaign County is hosting a series of Law Day activities for local fourth-grade students, including a mock trial, courthouse tour, and exhibits on Abraham Lincoln's legal legacy and the history of the county courthouse. The events aim to educate young people about the rule of law and its critical role in American society.

Why it matters

Law Day was established by President Eisenhower in 1958 to honor the rule of law, which is a foundational principle of American democracy. These Champaign County activities provide an opportunity for students to learn about the legal system and the importance of the rule of law in upholding the American Dream of equal justice and opportunity for all.

The details

The Law Day events will feature a mock trial for students to observe, a tour of the Champaign County courthouse, and visits to two exhibits: 'Lincoln, A Large Presence in a Small Town,' which explores Abraham Lincoln's legal work in the county, and 'And Justice for All,' which chronicles the history of the courthouse and the county's commitment to the rule of law since its founding in 1833. Members of the Lincoln Legacy Committee will be on hand to guide students through the exhibits.

  • Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1.
  • The 'And Justice for All' exhibit will be on display through the fall of 2026, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The players

Randall Rosenbaum

A judge in Champaign County who is sponsoring the Law Day activities with his colleagues.

Abraham Lincoln

The young lawyer who gave a famous speech emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in the years before he became the 16th President of the United States.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

The 34th President of the United States who proclaimed the first Law Day in 1958.

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What they’re saying

“Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well-wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others.”

— Abraham Lincoln

What’s next

The Law Day activities are open to all fourth-grade students in Champaign County. Principals, teachers, and parents interested in scheduling a visit can contact LawDay@ChampaignCountyIL.gov.

The takeaway

By educating young people about the rule of law and its historical significance, the Champaign County Law Day events aim to instill in the next generation an appreciation for the legal principles that underpin the American Dream of equal justice and opportunity.