Reps. Clack, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Brown, Byrum, Cheeks, Condino, Cushingberry, Donigan, Elsenheimer, Farrah, Gillard, Gleason, Gonzales, Green, Hildenbrand, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Kolb, Kooiman, David Law, Lemmons, Jr., Lipsey, Mayes, McDowell, Meisner, Meyer, Miller, Mortimer, Murphy, Nitz, Plakas, Polidori, Proos, Sak, Shaffer, Alma Smith, Spade, Stahl, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Van Regenmorter, Waters, Wojno, Zelenko, Byrnes, Leland, Lemmons, III and Sheltrown offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 220.

A resolution commemorating May 1, 2006, as Law Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, In 1958, the American Bar Association envisioned a day for celebrating the American Legal System. It was determined to strengthen the law at the crucial turning point in the history of mankind. Law Day’s purpose was for a nationwide salute to the law and its place in American life; and

Whereas, The principle of guaranteed fundamental rights of individuals, under the law, is the heart and soul of our Nation, and it distinguishes our governmental system of one that is ruled by people and for the people.  A day of national dedication to the principle of government under law has afforded us an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the legal principles of our government; and

Whereas, May 1st is set aside as a special day of celebration by the American people in appreciation of their liberties; the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States of America; of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other as well as with other nations; and for the cultivation of that respect for law that is so vital to the democratic way of life; and

Whereas, This year, the Law Day theme is “Liberty Under Law:  Separate Branches Balanced Powers.”  It is important that all Americans understand what the Founders intended and accomplished in creating a government of separate powers. The Founders were very concerned that the government they establish should not have all its powers concentrated in the hands of a few officials; and

Whereas, The Founders were also concerned that the powers granted to one branch would be balanced by powers granted to others.  A separation of powers doctrine was created among the three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial.  Congress’s power to legislate, for example, is balanced by the executive's power to veto legislation and by the judiciary's power to declare legislation unconstitutional; and

Whereas, In an effort to balance any accumulation of power, our nation’s Founders provided for a system of checks and balances in the United States Constitution.  This system ensures that each branch serves as a constraint on, and is constrained by, the powers of the other branches; and  

Whereas, The American system of separation of powers and checks and balances stands as a model for other nations around world; and

Whereas, This year’s theme: “Liberty Under Law: Separate Branches Balanced Powers” will illustrate that the branches have their separate spheres and separate powers, but work together for the common good. The theme also is central to building an understanding of the rule of law, which has always been a primary purpose of Law Day; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate May 1, 2006, as Law Day in the state of Michigan.  We honor the contributions it is making to educate the American public; and be it further

Resolved, We honor and join other organizations throughout the state and this country, as they use this occasion to preserve and strengthen the rule of law; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the American Bar Association and local bar associations throughout the state of Michigan.