Virtual Law Day coordinated by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom, top row, third from left.

While the federal courthouses and schools are closed in the Southern District of Florida, lawyers and judges are not slowing down when it comes to teaching students.

On May 19,  the federal court and leaders from the South Florida chapter of the Federal Bar Association brought Law Day to 53 students and faculty at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School's Law Academy. 

Law Day is observed every year across the nation to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. On Feb. 3, 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower established Law Day by proclamation, and in 1961, May 1 was designated by joint resolution of Congress as the official date for celebrating Law Day.

While ordinarily Law Day is celebrated inside the courthouse, because of the pandemic, this year the federal court virtually brought Law Day to the students. The Law Day program was presented through the Zoom platform.

The discussion centered on the American Bar Association theme, "Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100, " celebrating 100 years since the passage of the transformative constitutional amendment that guaranteed women the right to vote.

The students learned about the Suffrage Movement and in particular pioneers Virginia Minor and Vietnam War protester Mary Beth Tinker and their collective efforts to create change. The students also learned about the Rule of Law and its application to their everyday lives, particularly during the pandemic. 

The event was coordinated by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom; Federal Bar Association South Florida Chapter President Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz, a partner at Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz; and civics liaison Stephanie Turk, an associate at Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson.

"The opportunity to engage with students and discuss our nation's history, the suffragist movement, and the achievement of the women's right to vote was a tremendous experience. The students were enthusiastic, asked great questions and wanted to learn. Who could ask for more?"Bloom commented.

Fotiu-Wojtowicz agreed, saying, "Their knowledge, curiosity and obvious commitment to civic engagement at such a young age was really inspirational." 

Civics liaison Stephanie Turk similarly enjoyed the program. "I was beyond impressed with the caliber of the students' questions and comments, their overall engagement, and most importantly their commitment to being active members of society and their excitement about exercising their right to vote when eligible."

Derrick Johnson, law instructor at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, was also impressed with the program. "The event provided my school's academy students an interactive opportunity which enriched their understanding of our nation's legal system, voting process and history. We hope to have another opportunity to participate."

In addition to the robust discussion, the students were asked questions about the Rule of Law. Here is a chance to test your knowledge:

1. The Rule of Law is a principle under which all persons, institutions and entities are accountable to laws that are:

A. Publicly promulgated

B. Equally enforced

C. Independently adjudicated

D. Consistent with international human rights principles

E. All of the above

2. Our nation's fundamental law is the Golden Rule.

A. True

B. False

3. When an individual becomes a citizen of the United States, the individual is required to take an oath to, among other things, support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States.

A. True

B. False

4. In our Constitution, how many branches of government were created?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 5

D. 1

5. The courts, the judiciary, have the responsibility to _________ the laws.

A. Make

B. Enforce

C. Interpret

6. The Constitution protects the impartiality of federal judges when they have to make unpopular decisions in order to follow the Rule of Law.

A. True

B. False

7. Are judges able to impose their personal beliefs on others when deciding issues before them?

A. Yes

B. No

8. Laws reflect the will of the people and the people consent to abide by the laws.

A. True

B. False

9. Laws are made in a private process and are not available to the public.

A. True

B. False

Answers: 1-E, 2-B, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C, 6-A, 7-B, 8-A, 9-B