Voices of DemocracyThe Voices of Democracy Law Day theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process; discussing issues in honest and civil ways; turning out to vote; and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections. In this way, Americans ensure that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people. We invite all Americans to join us on May 1, 2024, to celebrate Law Day by lifting their voices to strengthen our democracy. |
2023 Liberty Bell Award Winner | Joyce Grover, former Executive Director of KCSDV Joyce Grover, former Executive Director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence (KCSDV), for the Liberty Bell Award. Ms. Grover's public service, especially her work as an advocate for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence, has strengthened the American system of freedom under the law. Grover began her work on behalf of victims and survivors in 1983 as the coordinator of a children's program in a domestic violence shelter. After getting her law degree in 1994, Grover worked for Chief Justice Kay McFarland with the Kansas Supreme Court before she was hired at KCSDV in 2001 to build its legal advocacy work. Grover later served as General Counsel for the organization. In 2010, she was appointed as Interim Executive Director and became Executive Director in 2011. Grover retired in February 2023, after 11 years leading KCSDV. During her tenure as Executive Director, KCSDV began the Legal Assistance for Victims program, focusing on immigration, sexual assault representation, and complex family law matters. Also, during Grover's tenure, KCSDV began work on Empowered Families Kansas, one of 12 demonstration projects across the nation funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. By 2019, KCSDV was providing almost 100 training opportunities annually across the state. KCSDV is Kansas' leading statewide voice for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. KCSDV works to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence through a statewide network of programs providing supp01t and safety for all victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking, with a primary focus on women and their children. |
Law Day with the TBA through the years. |
Proclamation is signed by the Kansas Governor and the Topeka Mayor |
Liberty Bell Award is Presented on Law Day The purpose of the Liberty Bell Award program is to recognize community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under the law. Any individual who has rendered outstanding service to his/her community may be considered eligible. While all fields of endeavor are intended for inclusion, the award's purpose is to accord public recognition to men and women, particularly non-lawyers, for outstanding service in one or more of these areas: Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; Encouraging greater respect for law and the courts; Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of governments; and Fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law. |