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Supreme Court of Missouri recognized nationally for Law Day activities
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (spring 2011) – Missouri was one of three states recognized nationally by the American Bar Association for its 2011 Law Day activities, hosted by the Supreme Court of Missouri May 31, 2011, in its Division II courtroom in Jefferson City. Missouri’s event, which was co-sponsored by The Missouri Bar, focused on “Defending the Unpopular Defendant.” This coincided with the national Law Day theme, “The Legacy of John Adams: From Boston to Guantanamo,” established by the American Bar Association. About 70 people, including approximately 25 Cuba Middle School students, attended the Law Day activities.
“Law Day is a special day set aside for the citizens of Missouri and across the nation to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equality and justice under law,” Judge Patricia Breckenridge said in welcoming the crowd. “What makes our government a model of democracy is its three separate co-equal branches of government designed so that each could place a check on the power of the other. Power unchecked leads to abuses. U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Douglas said, ‘Those in power need checks and restraints lest they come to identify the common good for their own tastes and desires.’”
The Law Day activities included a presentation about the legacy of John Adams, famous in part for defending British soldiers accused of killing colonial patriots in March 1770 in Boston. It also featured a keynote address from a criminal defense attorney who is a former recipient of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Atticus Finch Award. The event culminated with the presentation of awards for a student competition in which nearly 90 eighth-graders studying American History at Cuba Middle School worked in teams to develop websites focusing on the national Law Day theme.
Teachers from Cuba Middle School selected 12 finalists to send to the Supreme Court for judging. The final winners were chosen by Supreme Court Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Mary R. Russell. Approximately 30 students – along with their parents; their teacher, Rhonda Koppelman; and their principal, Patricia Tavenner – attended the award ceremony.
“I can assure you that, as a result of this competition, there is not one eighth-grader in Cuba, Mo., who does not understand John Adams and the contributions he has made to our great country,” Koppelman said before introducing her students. “And they all had a good time creating their websites.”
Winning the first-place gold medal were Trevor Barreca, Ryan Ketchen and Austin Ware. Their website, www.thejohnadamsexperience.yolasite.com, was recognized for having great content and navigation; a clean, professional look; and a unique animated video depicting the Boston Massacre.
Winning the second-place silver medal were Kelsey Brewer and Melanie Robertson. Their website, www.doyoureallyknowjohnadams.yolasite.com, was recognized for having a great layout; sophisticated technology featuring games and videos; and extensively researched information.
Winning the third-place bronze medal were Kacey Doyle, Ike Harmon and Lexxie Lederle. Their website, www.johnadamswebsite.yolasite.com, was recognized for an eye-catching design; use of key words and columns to help readers scan the site; and accuracy of information provided about the Boston Massacre. All competitors received Law Day certificates recognizing them for their efforts.
In closing the evening’s activities, Judge Breckenridge said, “As we celebrate Law Day tonight, we are reminded that the rule of law preserves our democracy, safeguards our liberty, and sustains our founders’ vision and fundamental values for our country. That is something we all can celebrate each and every day as we enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States of America.”
Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In April 2011, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed a proclamation officially declaring May 1 to be Law Day in Missouri.
Visit the Your Missouri Courts newsroom for more information about the 2011 Law Day activities – including photographs and the program from the night’s event – as well as the governor’s proclamation.
For more information about the activities of the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Committee on Civic Education, please visit News & Media.
