FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dana A. Gutierrez

671.300.9282

JUDICIARY OF GUAM, DISTRICT COURT OF GUAM AND GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION

CELEBRATE 2016 LAW DAY AND LAW WEEK
Law Day 2016: Miranda: More than Words
Hagta, Guam April 25, 2016 - On May 1, 2016, Guam, along with the rest of the
nation, will celebrate Law Day. This years Law Day theme is Miranda: More than Words. In
the fifty years that have passed since the Miranda v. Arizona case, the iconic Miranda Warning that
developed as a result of the decision has pervaded mainstream media, appearing in countless movies and
television shows. Because the Miranda Warning has become so ingrained in law enforcement and
popular culture, most people can recite at least a part of the Miranda Warning.
Miranda Warning
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during
questioning.
If you cannot afford an attorney, an attorney will be appointed for you without charge
before questioning.
Waiver
Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you?
Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?
On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. in the Judiciary of Guam Atrium, the Judicial
Council of Guam, the Governor of Guam, and the Guam Legislature, will proclaim May 1 as
Law Day and April 25 May 10, 2016 as Law Week. At the same time, this years Hustisia
(Justice) Award recipient, the Public Defender Service Corporation, will be recognized.

The 2016 Law Day theme, Miranda: More than Words, calls on us to more deeply explore the
procedural protections afforded to 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, stated Chief Justice Robert
J. Torres.
Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood explained, The influence of the Miranda
Warning continues to this day and is a constant reminder of the procedures in place for ensuring
justice, to protect ones right against self-incrimination, and to ensure ones right to an attorney
in criminal cases.
Attorney JehanAd Martinez, Guam Bar Association President, described how the Law
Week activities provide an opportunity for community outreach. During Law Week, we seek to
educate the community, not only about the Law Day theme, but also about our legal system. The
variety of scheduled events will allow the public the opportunity to learn about court proceedings
and the justice system.
This year, the Judiciary, the District Court, and the Guam Bar Association will sponsor a
series of events designed to engage the community in the celebration of our legal system,
including:

Juror Appreciation Week beginning April 25 at the Judiciary and District Court;
Proclamation & Resolution Presentation at the Judiciary on Tuesday, April 26;
Presentation of the 9th annual Hustisia Award at the Judiciary on Tuesday, April
26;
Open House Tours of the Judiciary from Tuesday, April 26 to Thursday, April 28;
Mock trial plays performed by elementary and middle school students at the
Judiciary from Tuesday, April 26 to Thursday, April 28;
The Race Judicata 5K Under Colors of Law on Saturday, April 30;
Law Fair at the Judiciary of Guam from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30;
Naturalization Ceremony at the District Court of Guam at 9:30 am on Monday,
May 2;
Supreme Court of Guam Appellate Outreach on Monday, May 2 at Okkodo High
School;
Tours of the District Court to schools and the general public on Monday, May 2;
State of the Judiciary Address at the Guam Legislature on Monday, May 2;
District Court Outreach Visit to schools on Wednesday, May 4 and Thursday,
May 5;
Student Island Leadership Day at the District Court on Friday, May 6; and
Law Day Coloring, Art, Essay and Video Contests.

For additional and regularly updated information about Law Week visit the Law Week
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Guam-Law-Week-1208632335821058/ or the
websites of the Judiciary of Guam at www.guamcourts.org, or the District Court of Guam at
www.gud.uscourts.gov.
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