2017 Law Day Ceremony celebrates justice in Kings County

The Kings County Supreme Court celebrated another annual Law Day Ceremony on Wednesday, May 3, paying tribute to a long-standing national tradition created by Congress that serves to celebrate the rule of law.

The ceremony kicked off at 360 Adams Street, featuring a keynote address by Kings County Supreme Court Justice Matthew D’Emic. The address touched on the event’s theme, which was “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.”

Later on in the ceremony, Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, the Honorable Lawrence Knipel announced plans to further reform courthouse operations. These reforms will function as part of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore’s “Excellence Initiative,” which looks to identify which court procedures are working correctly, as well as areas that need to be improved.

“Law day was first initiated by Congress and Eisenhower back in 1958. It’s an annual celebration of the rule of law and law over tyranny,” said Knipel. “Each year, most courts have a law day ceremony.”

According to Knipel, the purpose of the event’s theme was to display how the 14th Amendment has evolved over time to be more inclusive.

“The 14th Amendment extended the idea of due process to the states and all citizens of the states,” said Knipel. “Thats where we get our concept of due process and equal protection.”

The event also featured the introduction of the new Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts George Silver, as well as an array of speakers, including Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division, second department Randall Eng and Brooklyn Bar Association President Frank Seddio.

Knipel noted that approximately 600 to 700 people attended the ceremony, including more than 40 judges.