A rights expression system and method for facilitating creation and/or modification of rights expressions in a rights expression language based on one or more schemas are provided. In one embodiment, the rights expression system comprises selectable layouts corresponding to a rights granting paradigm and comprises type selection components. Each type selection component is adapted to present REL terms and input components. The input components allow input of parameters required by the selected REL term. The rights expression system also includes a data engine that generates rights expressions in proper REL semantics defined by the one or more schemas based on the selected layout and parameter inputted. The type selection components and input components may be type selectors and input forms, respectively, that are implemented in a graphical user interface.