Michigan Lawyers' Auxiliary
State Bar of Michigan

Eligibility:

6th, 7th, and 8th grade students

Requirements:

Answer a public policy "should" question that fits into the Law Day Theme. Entries must be 300-500 words, typed or handwritten in ink. Each essay must have a completed entry form. This information is to appear on the entry form/cover sheet only. Copying from published works or omission of any of these requirements will disqualify the essay. Students may answer their own "should" questions or use suggested "should" questions using one of the Supreme Court case cited in the “Should” questions.

State Prizes:

Three winners in each grade level:

First Prize		$200 savings bond
Second Prize		$150 savings bond
Third Prize		$100 savings bond

In addition to the savings bonds, each winner receives an award proclamation from the Governor and various other prizes. State level awards will be presented at the State Law Day Luncheon Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Hall of Justice Learning Center in Lansing, where winners, their parents, and their teacher and principal are guests.

County Contests:

If you have a county level or local Law Day Essay Contest, do not submit your essay to the state level. Follow the local deadlines instead. The winners will be forwarded to compete in the State Law Day Essay Contest. If there is no local contest in your area, you may submit directly to the state level of the contest.

Criteria for Judging Entries:

• 300 - 500 word limit
• Ability to follow directions of the contest and use proper grammar and spelling
• Clear position
• Originality
• Support of position with application of core democratic values
• Support of position with prior knowledge of history, geography, civics, or economics
• Support of position with researched information or other use of researched material (i.e. Comparison of the "should" issue to a similar fact scenario from a researched Supreme Court opinion.)

Deadlines:

All essays must be postmarked no later than midnight, February 15, 2008.

Send essays to:

Joyce Nordeen
State Bar of Michigan
Staff Administrative Assistant
Michael Franck Building
306 Townsend Street
Lansing, MI 48933-2012

Extended deadline: February 22, 2008 if mailed to:

Farris Law
5291 Colony Drive North, Suite 2
Saginaw, MI 48638

Essays cannot be returned and become the property of the Michigan Lawyers' Auxiliary and the State Bar of Michigan.

Endorsed by the Michigan Education Association