Students at high schools in Amherst, Fall River, Lowell,
Southbridge, Springfield, Wilbraham and Worcester participated in
the Massachusetts Bar Association's May Law Day Initiative and
discussed human trafficking and modern day slavery.
"This year marks the 150th anniversary of President Abraham
Lincoln freeing all slaves by signing the Emancipation
Proclamation, which makes modern-day slavery a fitting topic to
study through a legal lens," MBA President Robert L. Holloway Jr.
said.
Volunteer attorney/judge teams from the MBA visited classes at
each school and presented "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All."
Students then participated in a mock trial that debated human
trafficking, considered to be a form of modern slavery. Students
were broken into groups of judges, prosecutors and defense
attorneys. "The MBA is grateful to the attorneys and judges from
across the state who have shared their time and expertise to make
this critical program a success," Holloway said.
The MBA is appreciative of the Massachusetts Judges Conference for
its assistance in recruiting volunteer judges for this
endeavor.
Law Day is a national day of celebration in May focusing on the
United States' heritage of liberty under law and recognizing its
role in our daily lives. Celebratory events are often held
throughout the month of May. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave
Law Day its name by declaration in 1958.