Law Day

Law Day, held annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.

“The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One”

The Constitution reminds us of our collective responsibility to one another. This year’s theme highlights how, despite our differences, we come together as a united nation, working to fulfill the promise of E pluribus unum—“Out of many, one.”

Law Day Sponsor

2025 Liberty Bell Award Winner

Fred Patton

Fred is a strong believer in giving back to the community in which he lives. He currently serves as President of the Topeka Zoo, President of Ballet Midwest, Treasurer of the Seaman Alumni Association, and is a board member for the Topeka Performing Arts Center and the Seaman Educational Advantage Foundation. He also serves as an appointed director on the Gage Park Improvement Authority and the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library.

From 2003-2021, Fred served on the Seaman USD 345 Board of Education. From 2014-2023, Fred represented the 50th District in the Kansas House of Representatives. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as Chairperson of the House Judiciary Committee, the House K-12 Budget Committee, and the House Rules & Journal Committee.

Fred is an attorney at Patton Law Office, LLC and the owner of Topeka Escrow Service, LLC. In addition, Fred does government affairs work with Harris Kelsey, Chartered. Fred earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management from Washburn University (1997) and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas (2000).

Fred and his wife, Kim, have two adult sons and a daughter who is a senior in high school.

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.