The 2023 Law Day theme is “The Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration,” and underlying those concepts in our democracy sits the rule of law and the role of law. To discuss this year’s theme and what it means for the United States, the Johnson Institute spoke three district judges from the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Alabama: Senior District Judge Myron Thompson, Senior District Judge Keith Watkins, and Chief District Judge Emily Marks. Conducting interviews with Judge Watkins and Judge Marks are Montgomery attorneys James R. “Spud” Seale and Jordan Speake Jenkins from the law firm of Hill Hill Carter.
Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to watch the judges’ remarks in the video below and use the following discussion questions to explore this year’s Law Day theme and the rule and role of law in more depth.
Judge Thompson’s remarks begin at 0:11; Judge Watkins’ interview begins at 9:29; Judge Marks’ interview begins at 21:27.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to start a class discussion, frame a research topic, or as writing prompts for essays. The questions are based on the content of the videos above and information from the other resources linked below. You can download these questions as a .pdf here.
The following questions are based on the judges’ remarks in the video.
What is the rule of law? Why is it important?
What is the role of law, and how does it differ from the rule of law? Can you give an example of each?
If a judge doesn’t agree with the law, can he change it in his or her courtroom?
How do Judge Marks, Judge Thompson, and Judge Watkins explain the rule of law differently? Are they making the same point?
What does the rule of law affect, according to Judge Thompson?
What is an example of the failure of the rule of law?
Can laws be changed? How? Why would you want to change laws?
As a student, how can you be involved in the rule of law?
What rights do you have on social media? Where do those rights end?
As a student, where are you interested in engaging with the rule of law to change and make it better?
Judge Watkins shares that he thinks the First Amendment allowing free speech is the most important rule of law. In your opinion, what is the most important rule of law? Why?
What role does civility play in our society? Why is it important?
What is a rule of law that you sometimes disagree with but is good for our society?
Judge Marks mentioned that tensions exist in our society. Have you seen where the rule of law has helped improve your society even though those tensions exist?
Further research: The rule of law has shaped our nation in many ways, and it continues to do so today. Can you find an example of this?
The following are questions about this year’s Law Day theme developed by the American Bar Association.
In your view, what are the “cornerstones of American Democracy?” Are they, indeed, civics, civility, and collaboration?
Why is it important that our Constitution can be changed? In your opinion, when in our nation’s history has constitutional change been most critical?
How can individual citizens use their voices to fulfill the promise of the Constitution?
Where does power reside within our constitutional democracy?
What does that phrase, “a more perfect Union,” mean to you? What do you think it has meant to our nation?
What do you think about when you hear “rule of law?”
How have civics, civility, or collaboration shaped your community? How might they help shape your community in the future?
Is there someone who you admire as an upholder of the rule of law?
How does being a lawyer allow you to protect individual rights in your community?