Law Day Art and Essay Contest winners
The YLD has announced the winners of the 2010 Tennessee Law Day Art and
Essay Competitions.
Each May, the American Bar Association, in conjunction with state and local
bar associations, sponsors Law Day programs around the country. The purpose
of celebrating Law Day is two-fold: (1) to instill in students an
appreciation for the law and foster a greater understanding of the American
judicial system, and (2) provide an opportunity for attorneys to serve their
local communities.
The theme of this year’s contest was “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring
Traditions, Emerging Challenges.” It was designed to spark students'
thinking about how society can honor long-standing traditions in the law
while addressing new issues and situations that might challenge “old ways”
of doing things.
Students receive cash prizes for their winning entries. Look for a display
of winning entries at the TBA Convention in Nashville this June.
The YLD would like to thank Jackson lawyer Paul Whitt with Rainey Kizer
Reviere & Bell who served as this year’s state Law Day Art and Essay Contest
coordinator.
Essay Competition Winners
First Place (link to PDF file of essay)
Matthew Street
12th Grade
First Assembly Christian School
Cordova
Second Place (link to PDF file of essay)
Joel Avey
11th Grade
McCallie School
Chattanooga
Excerpts from First Place Essay
By Matthew Street
As the United States continues to progress into [the 21st] Century, it is vital that the original intent of the Constitution be defended. Returning to the interpretation of original intent will preserve the authenticity of the Constitution and protect the freedoms that make America an exceptional nation.
Not only must the United States be careful to safeguard the original purposes of the Constitution, the nation must also keep the Constitution safe from international influence. In this global age, it is the responsibility of the people of the United States and the Supreme Court to not allow other countries to influence the American judicial system.
The Constitution can also be preserved in the 21st Century by establishing a curriculum that teaches the principles upon which our country was founded. The American public as a whole does not understand this great document and are not prepared to discuss, debate or defend its content. If the United States is to have citizens knowledgeable about…[these] principles…there must be a commitment from school boards across the nation to adopt a curriculum that teaches the document in an unbiased way. Although presenting a challenge to the law, defending the Constitution of the United States also presents an opportunity in the 21st Century. As this sacred document is interpreted according to its original intent, is protected from global influence and is accurately taught in the American school system, the rule of law will be preserved for generations to come.
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