 In October 2003, the Government of Armenia and the World Bank decided to create a television program to build awareness among Armenians of their legal rights and how their judiciary functioned.
Earlier surveys had found that many citizens were unaware of their rights and did not have a good understanding of the legal system. Distrust of the courts was widespread. Consequently, resources from the World Bank’s Judicial Reform Project in Armenia were directed toward strengthening legal literacy and public opinion.
The World Bank worked closely with the Ministry of Justice to identify public information gaps. A local firm, the AZD agency, was hired to produce the television program. The show uses mock trials to depict real-life disputes. The judge, Mr. Tigran Mukuchyan, is a deputy minister of justice, and the participants are often parties in real disputes. A live studio audience of judges, lawyers, legal officials, and members of the general public discuss the trials on-air. Recent episodes have covered rental and property disputes, customs issues, and family law matters —all issues that are timely and of broad interest to the general public.
 The Hit Show
The first episode of “My Rights” aired in September 2004 on Armenia's state TV channel. After six weekly episodes, the show became the country’s number one TV program. It sparked an immense interest in legal issues and citizens' rights. Mr. Mukuchyan is now a public celebrity who gets stopped on the street for legal advice!
"My Rights” won a special award and has generated even more popular support than expected. When the power went out in one town a few minutes before the "My Rights" was to be broadcasted, a crowd marched on the mayor's office and accused local officials of intentionally keeping people in the dark!
"My Rights" has now aired 40 episodes, and public demand has stimulated the production of another 40!
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