The Bowling Green-Warren County Bar Association’s annual Law Day program is set to take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Capitol Arts Center.

Officially recognized on May 1, Law Day is held to reflect on the importance of law to society and its role in the country’s founding. 

Several state and local bar associations hold luncheons and other events to mark the occasion, and this year’s Law Day theme, “Miranda: More Than Words,” focuses on the landmark 1966 Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.

The ruling in the case established that a person in police custody must be advised of their rights before being questioned, including their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney. 

On the 50th anniversary of the historic ruling, Law Day programs will explore how the court system helps preserve those rights and why they remain essential to a person’s liberty.

Shawna Kincer, executive director of the Special Prosecutions Unit of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, will deliver the keynote address at Wednesday’s program.

Attorney Ryan Reed, president of the Bowling Green/Warren County Bar Association, said winners of an essay contest for high school students and a poster contest for elementary and middle-school students will also be recognized Wednesday.

An educational curriculum with law as one of its components is crucial for a student’s development, Reed said.

“I think it’s one of the more critical things for children that age to learn about,” Reed said. “Civics education is something that, unfortunately, has been on the decline, not just in topics of law but government in general and I think there’s a direct relation between the decline of civics education and complaints about uninformed voters.”

Wednesday’s program will also recognize local attorneys honored by the bar association for their accomplishments in the community.

The Gwyneth B. Davis Public Service Award, given annually to the member of the local bar who best exemplifies a commitment to public service and dedication to community spirit, will be a highlight of the program.

Scott Crocker, executive director of Kentucky Legal Aid, received the award last year.

— Follow courts reporter Justin Story on Twitter @jstorydailynews or visit bgdailynews.com.