Role Of Law Students In Nation Building: Upholding And Strengthening The Rule Of Law
Three decades ago, the world has witnessed the compelling strength of people united in its fight for democracy and the rule of law. The People Power Revolution in EDSA has established an enduring reminder that no amount of power or brute force can silence a nation’s plea for freedom and justice.
An unfailing respect for the rule of law is the fundamental ingredient to build a nation and sustain its life and growth. It is through it that we, the sovereign people, are assured that the laws are just and reasonable, that fundamental rights are protected, and that everyone is treated equally under the law.
The recent years have proven to be even more challenging for the rule of law. The age-old threats of tyranny and corruption remain, but the enemies of the law are now armed with even more potent armaments of spreading widespread ignorance and misinformation. The realities of today therefore demand a stronger movement to annihilate these threats and a more active involvement and participation from members of the academe and the legal community as a whole — to call for justice, to require transparency in government processes, and to exact accountability.
Law students are guardians of the Constitution. Gone are the days when students of law are expected to stay in the comfort of their classrooms and be absorbed in their textbooks. Along with government actors, the academe, non-profit organizations, church leaders, lawyers, activists, and members of the media, among others, learners and scholars now share the sacred duty of ensuring respect for the Constitution, the very blueprint where all principles of law emanate from. Law students shall therefore position themselves in the frontline when the government and non-State actors commit breaches against the Constitution.
Law students are seekers of truth. In this age of (mis)information, fake news emerge as some of the most potent threats to democracy and free press. Nowadays, even governments and people in power utilize the so-called alternative truths to easily manipulate public opinion and discourage dissent. As active users of social media and the internet, law students occupy the best position to combat fake news as well as to encourage scrutiny especially for the acts of persons holding public office.
Law students are advocates for human rights. Human rights advocacy does not require one to be a lawyer or a professional working for an NGO. There are many ways that law students can effectively help affirm respect and advance the protection for human rights. For example, law students can stand up for people’s rights by expressing support for laws and policies that recognize the vulnerability of certain groups and establish programs to address issues and challenges they face. Law students also perform an essential role in affirming the fundamental respect for human rights by expressing condemnation on acts that violate or threaten our core values and decency as a people.
Law students are catalysts for social change. Equipped with leadership skills, law students can assume roles that influence policy-makers and empower members of their respective communities in order to promote political awareness and encourage community participation especially on matters concerning the election and other democratic processes. Law students and their organizations can also build alignments and alliances that facilitate the provision and delivery of services between the government and the community.
The time for silence had long ended. Now more than ever, there is a compelling urgency for every single voice to be heard, for every person to take his stand. For in the fight to uphold the rule of law, the enemy hides in plain sight—donning the regalia of power and ambition. And in a fight where we cannot afford to lose, every single player matters—be it a justice of the high court or a law student learning the intricacies of the law.
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BY: JOSEF JAMES GARA, SILIMAN UNIVERSITY