Law Week co-chair Alexander Gruft says young people need to understand the interaction between the branches of government. (photo/alandeckerphoto.com)

A rarely observed reminder of the separation of powers in the U.S. government structure — the appointments of two Supreme Court justices within a six-month period — will be reinforced with this year’s celebration of Law Week the first week in May.

Following the timely theme established by the American Bar Association, the San Diego County Bar Association will focus on “Liberty Under Law: Separate Branches, Balanced Powers.” Beginning May 1 and continuing through May 7, a series of community events are planned, many involving and encouraging youth.

Students are invited to fully participate in three ways: in a poster contest for children in kindergarten through third grade and in fourth through sixth grades; a 300-word essay competition for students in sixth through eighth grades and ninth through 12th; and an oratory competition for students in ninth through 12th grades.

“One of the most important aspects of Law Week, and certainly one of the most enjoyable, is the classroom component,” says Meredith L. Brown, Law Week co-chair with attorney Alexander T. Gruft. The winners receive certificates and savings bonds of various amounts at a Law Week luncheon May 5, and the oratory winner will speak at that event.

As many as 30 schools with more than 200 posters have competed in the past, says Brown. Winning posters appear in the local ABA branch newspaper and are exhibited at the Hall of Justice Downtown.

Co-chair Meredith L. Brown calls the classroom component of Law Week among the most enjoyable. (photo/alandeckerphoto.com)

“The theme is really important nowadays,” says co-chair Gruft. He referred to the “heightened interest now, especially with the appointment of two new judges to the Supreme Court. It is vital that school children understand how the interaction between the legislative, judicial and executive branches influence them and the world around them.”

The theme is always a timely issue, says Lawrence Martinez, director of communications for the SDCBA. “They try to make it an essential element of law — never esoteric — but always central to core values and themes.”

Another youth oriented SDCBA-sponsored project that continues throughout most of May is a children’s book drive. Until May 26, members are encouraged to donate new and gently used books for children from kindergarten through 12th grade that will be given to local public schools. Books also will be donated to the children’s waiting room at the Family Justice Center.

Donations will be accepted at drop-off boxes during working hours at the following locations: Bar Center, 1333 Seventh Ave., San Diego; San Diego Public Law Library (main library) 1105 Front St., San Diego; San Diego Public Law Library, Vista, 325 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 300; San Diego Public Law Library (El Cajon), 250 E. Main St.; and San Diego Public Law Library (Chula Vista), 500 Third Ave. Additional drop-off sites will be announced. The book drive is coordinated by the Bar’s Children at Risk Committee and cosponsored with the San Diego Paralegal Services.

In addition to youth programs, the observance will include a series of free elder law seminars with details yet to be announced. Volunteer attorneys presenting them will address such issues as elder abuse and estate planning.

Serving with Brown and Gruft on the planning committee are Andrew S. Albert, SDCBA president; Cirrus Alpert, George W. Brewster Jr., Benjamin Chapman, Lea L. Fields, Whittney Graham–Beard, Garrison Klueck, Paul Mirowski, Julie Myres and Tia Wallach. The Lawyers Referral & Information Service underwrites part of the cost of Law Week as part of the bar’s commitment to community service.

Law Week is presented in connection with Law Day USA, which was established in 1958 by President Eisenhower and designated by Congress in 1961. The 8,500-member SDCBA has extended Law Day to a full week of related events. For more information, call the Bar Center at (619) 231-0781.