Students and judges at the 19th District Court. Photo: City of Dearborn.

DEARBORN — Judges of the 19th District Court joined local students to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Law Day, a national occasion to recognize the role of the courts. 

Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law day. 

Dearborn high school students visited the courthouse to observe legal proceedings before the Judges Sam Salamey, William Hultgren and Judge Mark Somers. 

Students were asked questions to prosecutors, court administration and staff. 

In addition, the annual essay contest was held. 

Judges and Rotary representative Merritt Robertson presented awards honoring the winners of the 2016 Law Day essay contest. 

The theme of this year’s contest was – Miranda: More than Words. As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of one the best-known U.S. Supreme Court cases, Miranda v. Arizona, students were invited to submit an essay on why the Miranda Warning, the Fifth Amendment and the Sixth Amendment are important when someone is arrested. 

The contest drew hundreds of entries from fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Dearborn’s schools. Sixteen winning essays were selected: a first place, second place, third place winner and an honorable mention in each grade level.

The awards ceremony was held at the 19th District Court on Tuesday, May 3.