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.
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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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