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This semester, the 老司机福利网 McGeorge School of Law introduced a new course, Lawyers and the Rule of Law, taught by Senior U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. The course offered students an in-depth look at the role lawyers have played 鈥� and continue to play 鈥� in preserving the Rule of Law. 

Judge Mueller sees the value of the course as 鈥減roviding a focused laboratory for deep thinking about what is required for the rule of law to adhere in society, as well as full consideration of lawyers鈥� professional and ethical responsibilities for maintaining and strengthening the rule of law.鈥�

Set in a small group format, the course explored how to define the Rule of Law, the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation, and how prior generations have navigated legal challenges through historical case studies such as the Civil War, Watergate, and the Nuremberg Trials.

Students collaborated during in-depth course discussions and in developing ideas for individual projects designed to explain and defend the Rule of Law.

鈥淚 was interested in the Rule of Law course because it explores both the strengths and the challenges of our legal system 鈥� where accountability and accessibility, though fundamental, can sometimes fall short, leaving justice unevenly distributed. I am drawn to driving meaningful change, even if small, within systems that pose ethical dilemmas, such as the tension between professional duty and fairness to victims. By deepening my understanding and advocating for these principles through the course, I hope to contribute to a more just and equitable society, no matter how challenging the journey,鈥� said Simyllina Chen, a second-year student who took the course this spring.

The course encouraged independent research, teamwork, and real-world applications, preparing students to become advocates for foundational legal principles in a rapidly changing world.

Through discussions, case studies, and final presentations, the students refined their understanding of the rule of law and its impact on both American and international legal systems.

The students in the course presented capstone projects focused on the Rule of Law on May 16, including a short film, a rule of law curriculum with teaching materials for middle and high school educators, and a community event.

Chen produced a 10-minute film that follows a young mother鈥檚 journey toward understanding the Rule of Law, weaving Chen鈥檚 personal story with insights from a diverse range of voices. The film features street interviews with judges, faculty, students, staff, and community members, capturing a wide spectrum of perspectives on what the Rule of Law means and why it matters. is available on McGeorge's YouTube channel. 

Isabelle Carmichael 鈥�25 organized an event titled on April 28, which invited students, faculty, and community members to engage in a dialogue about the meaning and impact of the Rule of Law. The discussion bought together lobbyists, city officials, litigators, and alumni to share how the rule of law influences their work 鈥� and shapes our daily lives.

Elynnor Trail 鈥�26 developed standards-aligned civics curriculum for middle and high school teachers, focusing on the Rule of Law, checks and balances, an independent judiciary, democratic values, combating misinformation, and how citizens can help uphold the rule of law.

The course equipped the students with the skills needed to apply these lessons in their future legal careers, advocating for better understanding of the rule of law, justice and accountability. Judge Mueller reported that, even as she was teaching the course, she learned from the students as she facilitated their discussions of the readings for the course, and engaged in case studies that asked the students to put themselves in the shoes of historic figures facing Rule of Law questions and challenges.

The course was taught Friday afternoons at the Justice Kennedy Learning Center located at the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse. The Justice Kennedy Learning Center is part of the McGeorge School of Law and also offers programs for K-12 educators, high school students interested in legal civics, and provides tours to visitors to the courthouse.