About the Dean’s Democracy Series
The Dean’s Democracy Series is dedicated to bringing our community together, providing invaluable information to explore and uphold core democratic values, including freedom from tyranny, equal justice under the rule of law, judicial independence, due process, voting rights, educational opportunity, reflective dialogue, evidence-based inquiry, and respect for a diversity of viewpoints and life experiences.
This Santa Clara Law initiative aims to foster deeper and more impactful collaboration between scholars and thought leaders of U.S. and global democracy and the law school community.
Partners and Collaborators
This series is made possible through the support of internal and external partners who co-host events or offer complementary programming to expand access, reach, and impact.
- American Constitution Society
- Center for Social Justice and Public Service
- Family Action Network
- Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center
- Santa Clara Law Immigration Initiative
- SCU tUrn
The Dean’s Democracy Series is also made possible through the support of our dedicated faculty, staff-educators, and students who accompany each other in our shared work of upholding our core democratic values.
Read Our Faculty's Letter on the Rule of Law sent to the Santa Clara Law community by more than 50 of our faculty members regarding care for law, justice, and cura personalis (care for the whole person).
Event Highlights
Preserving the Rule of Law in Challenging Times
The rule of law is a foundation of democracy, justice, and stability—central to the U.S. legal system, global justice principles, and faith traditions and belief systems. It is essential to the legal profession but faces serious challenges today. In response, Santa Clara Law will host a 4-part speaker series that highlights the significance of the Rule of Law and our commitment to it. We will examine what the rule of law means, the systems that uphold it—legality, fairness, accountability—and how to meet current and future threats. Our aim: to inform, engage, and inspire action from our students and community.
- September 17, 2025: What Do We Mean When We Say “Rule of Law”?
- October 29, 2025: Guardians Beyond Government: The Role of Non-Governmental Institutions in Preserving the Rule of Law
- Spring 2026: Dividing Power to Uphold Law: The Separation of Powers and The Rule of Law
- Spring 2026: Divided Sovereignty: Federal-State Relations and the Rule of Law
Guardians Beyond Government: The Role of Non-Governmental Institutions in Preserving the Rule of Law
October 29, 2025
Who protects the rule of law when governments falter?
This panel explores the crucial contributions of nongovernmental institutions, such as the media, higher education, law firms, and advocacy and faith-based groups. Each has a special role in sustaining a culture of equality, fairness, and transparency. Together, they serve as watchdogs, ensuring that governments exercise their power within lawful bounds and providing essential information and insight to the public.
Panelists:
David Bowker, Partner, Wilmer Hale
Marina Hsieh, Clinical Professor Emerita, Santa Clara Law
Don Taylor, CEO, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Subramaniam Vincent, Director, Journalism and Media Ethics, Markkula Center, Santa Clara University
Moderator:
Caitlin Jachimowicz, Senior Assistant Dean, Santa Clara Law
Get Involved
Interested in attending, speaking, co-hosting, or sponsoring a future event?
We welcome collaboration from individuals and organizations who share our commitment to upholding democratic values.
Contact Lisa McMahon at lmcmahon@scu.edu for more information.