Week 6

Being in the Washington, D.C. area for the fourth of July is a powerful experience. It feels different participating in Independence Day festivities here than it does anywhere else; I had the privilege of watching, from a rooftop in Arlington with my cousin, the fireworks over the National Mall. The 4th of July is a holiday commemorating the decision of the Continental Congress in July of 1776 to declare this nation’s independence; a decision that was a catalyst for the foundation of our democratic government and the rule of law, and the spread of these principles throughout the world. Interning at NCSC has been transformative for me in my understanding of how domestic and international stakeholders implement the rule of law at various levels of a legal system; an ideal that only exists because of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In week six, I met virtually with Professor Franklin to collaborate on NCSC’s program to implement a legal reasoning, research, and writing course in Moldova, making sure the curriculum explains how it is in line with the Moldovan Ministry of Education’s learning outcome standards. I also reviewed a Moldova project monthly report document and took notes at NCSC’s presentations to Tunisian law students on legal writing and oral advocacy.

For me, the Fourth of July isn’t just a celebration of an event in the past, but of the progress that has been achieved in furthering the causes of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law, progress that has been possible only because of the decision made on July Second 1776 (to go into effect on July Fourth) to declare independence from tyranny.