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Law Day 2026

Yellow sun and American flag in a blue circle and the ABA logo beside it

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, and the Santa Clara County Bar Association present the
2026 Law Day Video Contest

The Rule of Law and the American Dream

The Rule of Law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams.  It is a cornerstone of democracy and is essential for maintaining order, protecting individual rights, and ensuring justice. The Rule of Law provides a framework within which the American Dream can be pursued.  The American Dream is often described as the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination.  The ideals of the American Dream are rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that we are created equal and have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara and the Santa Clara County Bar Association, encourage everyone to reflect on how the Rule of Law ensures that all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams.  On Law Day, May 1, 2026, we ask you to join us as we renew our commitment to the values enshrined in the Rule of Law and the Declaration of Independence.

Learn more about Rule of Law and the American Dream by visiting these websites:

  1. What Is the Rule of Law and Why Is It Fundamental to American Democracy?
  2. The Declaration of Independence and the American Dream — History News Network
  3. Constituting America

Get Creative:

Create a video (two minutes or less) that responds to one of the four prompts below. Be creative with this - we encourage students to express themselves how they see fit!

Submissions should be of the students’ original work.

To help protect student privacy, we are asking that your video not contain any personal identifiers such school names, student(s) names, or grade levels.

Prompts:

  1. What does the American Dream mean to you?
  2. Do you believe America has fulfilled its promise, enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, to afford all Americans with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”?  Why or why not?
  3. Do you believe the Rule of Law has made our society a better place?  Why or why not?
  4. What can you do ensure that everyone in our community has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams?

Schools may also request a visit from a judicial officer and attorney to discuss the topic prior to the due date. These visits will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Finalists’ videos will be posted on the Court’s website and YouTube channel.

Submit Your Entry:

  • To submit your video, email the video file to events@scscourt.org.
  • Your email must include the student’s name, grade level, and Santa Clara County school.

Submissions are due by March 31, 2026.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories:  

  • Middle school (grades 6-8)
  • High school (grades 9-12)

Questions may be directed to events@scscourt.org.

Important Lawyer Stuff:

Submissions will not be accepted and are ineligible if they include any content that contains or appears to contain profane, obscene, or inappropriate material; glorify or condone, endorse or encourage, any  illegal activity; and/or include any derogatory characterization of any person or group based on age, race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, marital status, mental or physical disability, citizenship, creed, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, union membership, or other unethical or unlawful factors.

All entries become the property of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Students are encouraged to keep copies of their entries. Excerpts from submissions may be displayed in Judicial Branch publications and/or websites. Entries will not be used for commercial purposes.