The Rule of Law: A Brainstorming Guide for Young Writers

October is an exciting month at Write the World; the Supreme Court Historical Society will be sponsoring a special competition dedicated to the theme the rule of law. You will have the opportunity to choose your own adventure, writing in one or more of the following genres: personal narrative, opinion, and creative writing. 

But what is the rule of law? Where might you begin? Below, we’ve compiled writing prompts, activities, and resources designed to deepen your understanding of this topic and spark your creativity. Happy writing!

Journaling Prompts

Free writing is the process of keeping one’s pencil moving, or fingers typing, and following one’s train of thought in relation to a prompt or topic, sometimes for a set amount of time. It’s a great way to bust through writer’s block, because it allows us, as writers, to let go of our inner critic and instead observe our thoughts. By paying attention to thoughts and feelings, we may find ourselves taking creative directions we never thought possible—discovering a new idea, posing a productive question, or happening upon the kernel of a story we’d like to further develop. 

To get your thoughts flowing, pull out a favorite journal or a clean Google Doc; set a timer (we recommend 2-5 minutes per prompt, but this is up to you!); and keep your fingers moving as you respond to the following prompts:

• What does the word justice mean to you?

• What is your favorite rule? Least favorite rule? Why?

• Remember a time when you encountered an unfair rule or law. 

• Describe what the rule of law means in your favorite fiction, sci-fi, or fantasy story or film.

• Should everyone have to abide by the same rules? Should we all have the same rights?

• How should we determine who enforces rules and laws, and why?

• What would be a more equitable way of upholding the rule of law in your community?

• If you were to create a law, what would it say? Why is the proposed law important?

• If AI robots gain consciousness, should they have rights and/or be subject to laws? Why or why not? (This debate is really happening right now!)

• Should adults be more lenient, or more strict, when enforcing the rule of law? 

• Is it ever OK to break rules and/or laws? Why or why not? Under what circumstances?

Next, read through your free-form responses and highlight or star any thoughts or ideas you are particularly proud of or eager to further explore. Keep this content handy as you plan your draft entry for Write the World’s writing competition on the rule of law.

Interview Questions

Everyone is impacted by the rule of law, and everyone has a different perspective on it. Yet we don’t always have opportunities to hear those perspectives in our daily lives. 

As you prepare to pen your original piece for Write the World’s writing competition, consider connecting with your community and interviewing those around you—family members, younger siblings, neighbors, elders—about their own thoughts about, and experiences with, the rule of law. Try to ensure that those you connect with represent a range of experiences, ages, and identities. What do you notice as similarities and differences across their perspectives?

Some sample interview questions are as follows—though we encourage you to put on your reporter hat and adapt this list, or craft your own:

• How do you define “the rule of law”? Why do you define it this way?

• What is your first memory of rules or laws impacting your life?

• How do you think rules and laws should impact our lives?

• If you could change one law, which would it be, and why?

• If you could invent a new law, what would it be, and why?

• How have you seen rules or laws change over time?

• Do you believe in a certain form of rulemaking—like a democracy or autocracy? Why?

• Do you view rules and laws as being independent from politics?

• When have you encountered an unfair rule? How did you approach its impact?

• How do you think we should treat the rule of law globally? How connected should our rules or laws be? How independent?

If your interviewees consent, you might even record their answers and return to the tapes or films—the oral histories—for inspiration as you craft your competition entry, informed and invigorated by these fresh perspectives.

Case Histories

Studying court cases can give us a deeper understanding of the nuances, ethics, and philosophies that inform the rule of law nationally and globally. It can unearth the stories beneath the legislation. 

For this activity, check out the Beyond the Bench website through the Supreme Court Historical Society, and select one case or life story to explore. You are also welcome to select a court case from outside of the US; one place to begin is the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. As you study your case, consider making a collage; flyer; children’s story; or historical fiction piece inspired by the events and context you learn about. Or maybe you’ll pen a poem from the perspectives of someone for and against the decision. Let your creativity flow, and use it to inspire your eventual submission to WtW’s rule of law competition.

Mapping the Globe

We are global citizens. And the Write the World community is home to writers in over 120 countries. That means that, every time you log into your Dashboard, you’re using your metaphorical passport to connect with teens who have a vibrant mix of opinions, experiences, identities, and passions. You get to learn from them, and they get to learn from you—a truly unique experience.

The rule of law can unite or divide us; it inspires us to think about our basic human rights—all that we share in the human experience. Yet it can also sew division, as different countries and cultures approach it or define it differently. 

To deepen your understanding, compare and contrast the rule of law across countries—to better prepare for Write the World’s rule of law writing competition. Use the websites below to help you. You might select two or three countries to compare and contrast, or print out a map and take notes as you work your way through different regions, documenting what you learn. 

Keep this map handy as you write—and peer review—during the October competition, rooting your work in the knowledge that, across countries, our perspectives are many.

RESOURCES:

• The World Justice Project
• United Nations and the Rule of Law (this resource focuses on three pillars of the rule of law: peace and security, human rights, and law and development).
• The Global Economy: Rule of Law Index Around the World (search by country)