Law Day
What is Law Day?
Law Day, held annually on May 1st, is a national day to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides our community an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. The event brings together local justice partners, food and craft vendors, attorneys, and community members for an afternoon of education and collaboration.
Theme
An annual theme is chosen by the American Bar Association to spotlight a particular aspect of law or the legal process and its impact on our daily lives.
The theme for 2026 is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law – the idea that no person is above the law – is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams.
Contest Overview
All Imperial Valley students are invited to participate in their respective contest categories.
This contest is divided into two groups, with each group having their own coloring page.
Group A: TK – K
Group B: 1st – 5th
Coloring contest begins on March 2, 2026, and closes on April 15, 2026.
Coloring pages can be submitted to our Administration Department, in our Criminal Courthouse. Schools may arrange for their completed coloring pages to be picked up by court staff. To arrange pick-up, please contact Administration at (760) 482-2250.
Students, 6th – 8th grade, are encouraged to create a 2 minute or less video, answering the following prompt:
“What can you do to ensure that everyone in our community has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams?”
Required video format is MP4 or WMA.
Deadline to submit: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:00pm.
Submit to: admindept@imperial.courts.ca.gov
High School Photography Contest
Students, 9th – 12th grade, are encouraged to submit original photographs that reflect this years’ Law Day theme.
“The Rule of Law and the American Dream”
Contest Guidelines:
- Photo entries must be originals, taken by students.
- One entry per student.
- Photos must be printed and no larger than 8x10, framing not required.
- Prints must be properly labeled on the back upper right-hand corner, with student’s name, grade, and school.
Deadline to submit: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:00pm.
Submit to: Administration Department
Criminal Courthouse
650 Wake Avenue
El Centro, CA 92243
Prizes
Winners of our elementary school contest will receive prize baskets. Winners of our middle school and high school contests will receive cash prizes. All prizes will be presented during our Law Day Community Event.
Unless a student states otherwise, submissions may be posted publicly during the event, on the Court’s website and/or social media channels.
Please Note:
Submissions will not be accepted or eligible if they include any content that contains or appears to contain:
- Profane, obscene, or inappropriate images or language.
- Any derogatory characterization of any person or group based on age, race, color, gender, gender identity, citizenship, natural origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, etc.
- Any actual or apparent copying or other infringement of another’s intellectual property or the use of AI.
Additionally, all entries become the property of the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial. Submissions may be displayed during our Law Day event, court website, or social media channels. Entries will not be used for commercial purposes.