By WKTV Staff
The 62-B District Court is inviting community members to celebrate Law Day 2023 with a free community event May 1.
The Law Day event will take place 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. It will kick off with a meet and greet, followed by a panel discussion, Q&A session and closing remarks. Refreshments will be provided.
Panelists will include:
- 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg
- City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
- City of Kentwood City Commissioner Ron Draayer
- Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kourtney Stone
- Kent County Office of the Defender Defense Attorney Justin McCarthy
The panel will be moderated by 62-B District Court Administrator/Magistrate Michele White. Panelists will take questions from event attendees and discuss rebuilding trust in legal institutions and how the public, their elected officials and the branches of government can collaborate to address various challenges faced by the nation, such as a lack of affordable housing, the recent increase in assaultive offenses and racial disparities in the justice system.
This year’s Law Day event theme is Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility and Collaboration. Students wishing to participate are encouraged to create a short video, poem, art piece or written question relating to the event theme that may be selected for panel discussion.
Student entries are due by April 17 and will be displayed in the courthouse during the Law Day celebration. Submissions can be attached to the registration form or dropped off in person at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pre-registration is required for the event. A registration form and additional event details can be found at kentwood.us/LawDay.
Law Day, established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is a national observance celebrated each year on May 1. The holiday celebrates the role of the law in our society and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal profession.
