Law Day High School Essay Contest
Sponsored by the Greensboro Bar Association and Piedmont Triad League of Women Voters
Background Information What is Law Day? When President Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day fifty years ago, he described the day as “a day of national dedication to the principle of government under the law.” Since then, Law Day has provided forums for community discussion of our government structure and legal process. This year’s Law Day will be celebrated on May 1, 2008. Organizations of attorneys, or bar associations, across the country help plan and organize local Law Day activities every year. Each community’s celebration of Law Day is unique, yet all Law Day celebrations focus on a common theme selected each year. Past themes include youth in democracy, our system of separation of powers, and the American jury. The theme for Law Day 2008 explores the meaning of the rule of law and the role of the rule of law in free society. Additional information regarding the history of Law Day may be found at www.lawday.org. What is the Greensboro Bar Association? The Greensboro Bar Association is a non profit association of lawyers who practice, live, or are employed in the Greensboro, NC area. It is the mission of the Association to foster excellence in legal representation through service to the community and Association members. What is the League of Women Voters? The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization established in 1920 for the purpose of encouraging informed and active participation in government. Part of the Leagues’ mission is to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Leagues appear in all of the fifty states, and there are hundreds of local Leagues across the country. 1
Essay Topics Students may choose one of the following three topics: 1. The Rule of Law and What It Means to Me: The Rule of Law holds a different meaning for each person, and it impacts everyone differently. This essay should describe each student’s experiences, interpretations, opinions and feelings on the Rule of Law. 2. Society Without the Rule of Law: Living in the United States, it is difficult to imagine what life would be like without laws creating an orderly, civil society. This essay should describe how society would be different without the Rule of Law. This essay is not limited to a discussion of American society. 3. The Rule of Law in Everyday Society: Laws regulate many of our activities of daily living, oftentimes without us even recognizing their impact. The Rule of Law effects everyone— children and adults, the rich and the poor. This essay should describe the presence of law in everyday society.
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Essay Requirements Deadline for Essay Submission: The deadline to submit essays to the Greensboro Bar Association for consideration in the contest is April 14, 2008. Grading Criteria: Essays will be graded on grammar and spelling, organization, originality, and the expression of the chosen topic. All essays should be from the student’s own thoughts and in his/her own words. References, if used, should be cited. Essays will be graded by members of the Greensboro Bar Association and the Piedmont Triad League of Women Voters. Graded essays will not be returned. Prizes: The prizes are as follows: First place-- $500; Second place-- $250; Third place-- $100. Winners will be recognized at the Law Day Celebration at Center City Park on May 1, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Center City Park is located at 200 North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro at the corner of Elm Street and Friendly Avenue. Formatting Requirements: All essays must be typed and double spaced using 12 point font. Essays should be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 750 words. Essay Submission: Essays should be submitted to your teacher. A member of the Greensboro Bar Association will pick up the entries from the school’s administrative office. Contact Information: Questions from students should be submitted through an educator. Questions from educators regarding the essay contest may be directed to Ms. Demetrius Berry at berry@brothertonford.com, (336) 346-1116, P.O. Box 21327, Greensboro, NC 27420.
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