The Indiana Supreme Court is hosting an encore presentation of its popular, “Why Lincoln Was A Lawyer” program for Law Day.  In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Law Day to strengthen our great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law.  It is celebrated every May First, and this year’s theme is centered on Abraham Lincoln.

More than 2900 students will hear from a Lincoln speaker in honor of Law Day and its theme, “A Legacy of Liberty—Celebrating Lincoln’s Bicentennial.” Judges, lawyers and paralegals from across the state will visit classrooms on Friday, May 1st to talk about Abraham Lincoln.   

“Why Lincoln Was A Lawyer” was originally developed for the 200th Anniversary of Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 2009.  The Indiana Supreme Court partnered with the Indiana State Bar Association to host a statewide birthday bash for Lincoln.  Hundreds of judges and attorneys spoke to about 30,000 students across the state. 
     
This Lincoln celebration was created by Courts in the Classroom, the educational outreach program of the Indiana Supreme Court.  The lesson plans and talking points created for grades K-12 were designed to showcase the civic virtues Lincoln exemplified.  The program honors Lincoln the Hoosier and Lincoln the President through a unique curriculum focusing on his life as an attorney.  The free lesson plans can be found at courts.in.gov/citc.

Courts In The Classroom develops many educational programs for teachers and students and sponsors four fieldtrip opportunities for schools each year.  For more information about Courts In The Classroom programs contact Dr. Elizabeth Osborn at (317) 233-8682 or eosborn@courts.state.in.us.

Media interested in finding a school with a Lincoln speaker in their area can contact Kathryn Dolan, Indiana Supreme Court Public Information Officer at (317) 234-4722 or kdolan@courts.state.in.us.