2023 Rhode Island Law Day Classroom Program & Essay Contest
On Rhode Island Law Day, thousands of Rhode Island students, teachers, judges and lawyers share important, timely and lively law related education lessons. This year’s Rhode Island Law Day is Friday, May 5, 2023. Rhode Island Law Day classroom program lessons are open to all public, independent, private, and parochial Rhode Island middle and upper schools’ 7th to 12th grade classes, and feature in-school, classroom period participation of a Rhode Island judge and lawyer team. To promote active student participation and the best possible educational experience, the Rhode Island Law Day classroom program topic choice focuses on an issue of direct relevance to students.
Click here for the teacher application form.
Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration
The 2023 Rhode Island Law Day Program, will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year’s theme, Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration, will focus on rebuilding trust in our institutions, respect for one another, and our willingness to collaborate to address the challenges that face our nation. In recent years, tensions in our democratic system have revealed deep divisions in American society. These divisions are aggravated by incivility in public discourse and insufficient understanding among many people about the Constitution and the way American government works. Together, however, we can collaborate to overcome our differences, resolve our disputes, and preserve our democracy and republic. To that end, we call on members of the legal profession to lead the way in promoting civics, civility, and collaboration—the cornerstones of our democracy.
Online Background and Activity Information
Available classroom program material including recommended discussion points and lesson plans, as well as additional topic background information are available online by clicking here.
2023 Hon. Francis J. Darigan, Jr. Rhode Island Law Day Essay Contest
The Rhode Island Judiciary, the Rhode Island Bar Association, and the Rhode Island Police Chief’s Association are pleased to announce the 20th annual 2023 Hon. Francis J. Darigan Jr. Rhode Island Law Day Essay Contest. The Contest is open to all Rhode Island 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students attending school in Rhode Island, but only to those grades. Through the generosity of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association, the winning essay author will receive a $2000 Scholastic Award and an engraved trophy cup. The winner’s school receives a permanent plaque and the annual Law Day Essay Award Trophy to display until the next Contest. A second place essay author will also be recognized with a $500 Scholastic Award donated by the Edward P. Gallogly Family Law Inn of Court and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation.