The Lebanon County Bar Association is again sponsoring its annual Law Day Essay Contest. This year’s contest is open to all 8th grade students in Lebanon County.
One essay winner will receive a $250 cash award and will be invited to attend the Law Day and Naturalization Ceremony held at the Lebanon County Courthouse on Monday, May 1. Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas President Judge John C. Tylwalk will present the award to the winner. Contest deadline is Noon on March 24. Rules and guidelines for the essay contest are available here or by calling the Bar Association office at 273-3113 or emailing lebcobar@verizon.net.
This year’s theme, chosen by the American Bar Association, is “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” The ABA’s Law Day Planning Guide and resources are available on their website at http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/initiatives_awards/law-day/law_day_guide_2017.html
The ABA notes the following about the theme: “The 2017 theme provides the opportunity to explore the many ways that the 14th Amendment has reshaped American law and society. Through its Citizenship, Due Process and Equal Protection clauses, this transformative amendment advanced the rights of all Americans. It also played a pivotal role in extending the reach of the Bill of Rights to the states. Ratified during Reconstruction a century and a half ago, the 14th Amendment serves as the cornerstone of landmark civil rights legislation, the foundation for numerous federal court decisions protecting fundamental rights, and a source of inspiration for all those who advocate for equal justice under law.”
Law Day is designed to bring judges, lawyers and schools together to teach students about the law and the legal system, and to celebrate the American heritage of liberty, justice and equality.
Teachers who are interested in having a judge or lawyer visit their classrooms or who want to schedule a tour of the courthouse may contact Susan Wolf at the LCBA – 273-3113 or email lebcobar@verizon.net.