On very short notice, we met up in front of the nearby historic courthouse — a readymade backdrop to send a message supporting free speech, due process and rule of law. We grabbed markers, storyboarded about a range of issues, and hammed up a flamboyantly mock attack on each person who spoke out. Then we messaged about what had happened to our trussed-up prisoners, deprived of their constitutional rights.

We cut the images together into short videos, and appended encouragement for other DIY actions, info on contacting Congress, and a plug for Law Day of Action on May 1st.

Finally, we posted on Instagram and uploaded as YouTube shorts. Within hours of posting, we had thousands of views! We also shared the YouTube links in our personal networks, in comment sections of pro-democracy Substacks, etc.

A greencard holder at the grocery store today thanked me for posting, saying she feels she cannot speak out. What actions can we take as Third Actors to exercise our various privileges and abilities? “No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices.” (Edward R. Murrow)

Here are our DIY-for-due process videos:

Please join attorneys, law students, and judges nationwide on Thursday, May 1 for a powerful demonstration supporting the independence of our courts and the legal profession — cornerstones of American democracy. Events are planned in over 45 cities across the country. We need your voice!

Use the QR code below or go to lawdayofaction.org

Many of us have been eager to do something concrete in support of the rule of law. We all have a chance to participate in (or help organize) a Stand for the Rule of Law event on May 1 at noon (local time). See our Events tab and the and the Lawyers for Good Government website for more details. Send us a note. Let us know what you are planning to do. lawyers@thirdact.org