Louisiana Senate Bill SR118

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/15
• Passed: 5/18/15

Caption

Commends the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society for its contributions to the legal profession and community and recognize May 21, 2015, as Louis A. Martinet Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

Impact

The resolution highlights the ongoing objectives of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, which focuses on promoting legal scholarship, advancing jurisprudence, supporting justice administration, and upholding court ethics. Over the years, the society has been involved in various programs and initiatives that benefit both legal professionals and the community, including scholarship programs for students and pro bono work aimed at enhancing constitutional literacy among citizens.

Summary

Senate Resolution 118 commends the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society for its significant contributions to the legal profession and the community. It recognizes May 21, 2015, as the second annual 'Louis A. Martinet Day' at the Louisiana State Capitol. The resolution pays tribute to the society's founding members, who faced injustices in the 1950s and organized efforts to support African-American attorneys and promote equity in the legal field during a time when Jim Crow laws dictated racial segregation across various societal domains.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR118 is overwhelmingly positive, as the resolution serves to honor the legacy and achievements of the Martinet Society. By recognizing their contributions, the resolution fosters a sense of appreciation among legislators and the public alike for the critical role played by the society in advocating for civil rights and uplifting minority legal representation. It sheds light on the importance of community engagement and support for educational initiatives in the legal sphere.

Contention

While the resolution itself is not contentious in nature, it does reflect broader themes in the ongoing discussion about representation and equality within the legal profession. It serves as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by African-American attorneys and reinforces the need for continued advocacy for diversity and inclusion in a profession that has traditionally been dominated by a lack of representation. Thus, while the bill does not present a direct controversy, it points to the significance of recognizing and addressing the disparities in the legal profession.