The Hawai'i`i State Judiciary is joining with courts and bar associations across the nation today to begin a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Law Day.

The Hawaii Judiciary is sponsoring various activities throughout the week highlighting the 2008 Law Day theme, "The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity."

Oahu (First Circuit):

The First Circuit Court kicks off the celebration by recognizing jurors at Ka'ahumanu Hale, the courthouse located at 777 Punchbowl St. in Honolulu. Jurors will be treated to refreshments and a special presentation by Court Operations Specialist Dennis Chun, who will shed light on the fact that we all have a stake in the rule of law, and what we each can do to strengthen it.

Law students from the University of Hawai'i Richardson School of Law will tour the Honolulu District Court and sit in on hearings and trials at Kauikeaouli Hale, at 1111 Alakea St., for an introduction to how traffic, misdemeanor, and small cases are handled at court.

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center will hold a lu'au fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Ali'iolani Hale, at 417 South King St. Tickets for a Hawaiian plate lunch are $15 each. The event will also feature live entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Judiciary History Center's youth education programs.

On Friday, May 2 at noon, the Supreme Court Law Library will present "@ Your Service- Just a Simple Click Away," an informational session on on-line library services in the Supreme Court Law Library.

Maui (Second Circuit):

On Sunday, May 4, fourth-graders from St. Anthony's Grade School will visit Judge Joseph Cardoza's courtroom to participate in a mock trial and learn about careers in the legal and judicial systems.

On Thursday, May 15, Judges Shackley Raffetto and Joseph Cardoza will host approximately 120 ninth-graders from Baldwin High School who will observe felony trials at the courthouse in Wailuku, at 2145 Main St.

Judges Richard Bissen, Joseph Cardoza, and Rhonda Loo will be attending several conferences on Maui during the month of May at which time they will talk about why the rule of law is essential in sustaining a free society.

Hawai'i (Third Circuit):

The staff at the Hilo Courthouse, at 75 Aupuni St., kicked off festivities early by hosting field trips on April 17, 21, and 22.

Students from Kealakehe and Konawaena Elementary Schools visited the courtrooms of Judge Ronald Ibarra, Judge Elizabeth Strance, and Judge Joseph Florendo.

Elementary school students are participating in a poster contest based on the "Rule of Law" theme.

The West Hawai'i Bar Association in Kona is sponsoring a Law Week essay contest incorporating the "Rule of Law" theme.

On Monday, May 12, Hawai'i`i Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon will celebrate Kona Law Week with the legal community in Kailua-Kona.

Kaua'i (Fifth Circuit):

On Friday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., public tours of the court complex in Lihu'e, at 3970 Ka'ana St., will be offered. Visitors will tour the new customer service center, cellblock, a judicial chamber, and other areas of the courthouse not usually open to the public.

The Legal Aid Society, Drug Court, and Kaua'i Economic Opportunity, Inc. will have informational displays in the courthouse lobby.

Refreshments will be available and each visitor will receive a free Law Day commemorative gift.