$2,500 and $1,500 Prizes for Best One-Minute Video: "Lights, Camera, Justice!"

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Colorado Bar Association is spearheading a one-minute video contest with $4,000 in prize money to spend -- a $2,500 first prize and a $1,500 second prize -- for a not-to-exceed 60 second video extolling the virtues of the “rule of law.” 

The provided link contains pertinent information for submissions, deadlines, rules and regs, and further explanation, as well as links to the prior high school and university winning entries.  Submissions can consist of live action, animation, AI — whatever moving picture media the artist chooses.  They can be serious, comedic, or anywhere in between.  The submission period runs from June 1 to July 31, with winners announced in August, and the winning videos and artists acknowledged through the CBA website and its Colorado bar journal.

Although the phrase “rule of law” is familiar to many of us, the CBA is trying to educate people as to what it means in everyday life, and that it needs to be nurtured, cherished, and protected. For the purposes of the contest, the video must address one or more of these concepts:

• Respect for the rule of law—Laws must apply equally to all people, regardless of their position or status in society.
• Judicial independence—Judges should make decisions based on law and facts, free from political pressure or outside influence.
• Due process—Everyone is entitled to their day in court, ensuring fair treatment.
• The right to choose one’s counsel—Lawyers must be allowed to serve their vital role in representing clients without fear of government retaliation, ensuring everyone has a voice in our legal system.
• Separation of powers—The three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) must check and balance each other’s power.

The videos need not get into the legal weeds of any of these ideals, they just need to raise the consciousness and understanding of others about them.  The contest is open to any creative residing in Colorado.