PRESS RELEASE

GUAM LAW WEEK PROGRAM SELECTED

FOR 2015 ABA OUTSTANDING LAW DAY ACTIVITY AWARD
Judiciary of Guam, Guam Bar Association, and District Court of Guam Recognized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2016 The American Bar
Association (ABA) selected the Guam Law Week Program, sponsored by the Judiciary of
Guam, the Guam Bar Association (GBA), and the District Court of Guam, for the 2015
Outstanding Law Day Activity Award for Best Public Program. This marks the fourth
time the ABA has selected the Guam Law Week Program for this national award with
previous wins in 2008, 2009, and 2012. The award will be presented to the Judiciary of
Guam, the Guam Bar Association, and the District Court of Guam on February 6, 2016 in
San Diego, California at the 2016 ABA Midyear Meeting. Judiciary of Guam Chief
Justice Robert J. Torres will accept the award on behalf of the sponsors.
The Guam Law Week Program was recognized for its innovative program that reflected
the 2015 national Law Day theme, Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under Law, and
the significant involvement of the legal community in programs for youth and adults.
Various events were held to commemorate the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta, an
iconic document in legal history, which highlights certain basic American rights
including due process, habeas corpus, and trial by jury.
The Guam Law Week Program sponsors wish to acknowledge and thank all community
partners who participated in the 2015 Law Week celebration, including our media
partners the Pacific Daily News, KUAM, and K57 along with the following
schools who participated in our elementary and middle school mock trials:
Mercy Heights Nursery and Kindergarten
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School
Saint Anthony Catholic School
Adacao Elementary School
Agana Heights Elementary School
Chief Brodie Elementary School
Price Elementary School
Talofofo Elementary School
McCool Elementary School
Tamuning Elementary School
Agueda Johnston Middle School

The success of this award winning Program could not have been possible without the
contributions from our community partners and participants, many who have been with
us since 2008, said Chief Justice Robert J. Torres. Chief Judge Frances TydingcoGatewood, GBA President Attorney JehanAd Martinez, and I appreciate your continued
participation and commitment in our efforts to educating the public about the rule of law
and our legal system.
2016 Law Week Preparations Begin
This years theme, Miranda: More Than Words, will explore the procedural protections
afforded to all of us by the U.S. Constitution, how these rights are safeguarded by the
courts, and why the preservation of these principles is essential to our liberty.
Law Week will be celebrated from April 23 May 5, 2016. Some notable events will
include:
Law Fair April 23
5K Run/Walk Race Judicata: Under Colors Of Law April 30
State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Robert J. Torres May 2
Supreme Court Appellate Argument High School Outreach May 2
Naturalization Ceremony at the District Court of Guam May 2
Elementary & Middle School Mock Trials
Art & Coloring contests
Essay & Video contests
Schools, community organizations, social justice advocates and the general public are
invited to participate in the 2016 Guam Law Week Program.
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For more information concerning this Press Release, please contact Dana A. Gutierrez,
Director of Policy, Planning and Community Relations at 300-9282 or
dgutierrez@guamcourts.org.