Deadline: May 15, 2009
The inauguration of President Barak Obama will usher in a new approach to nominating federal judges. Within his first four years chances are likely that President Obama will need to replace at least two U. S. Supreme Court justices as well as many other federal judges. Emotions may get the better of many who care about justice, but cooler heads must prevail if the nation is to have judges committed to fairness and justice.
Now, high school students have the opportunity to provide their rational, logical advice. We invite students to write a 400- 600 word essay entitled "An Open Letter to President Obama on the Importance of Selecting Fair Judicial Nominees". Explore what type of candidates the President should look for: what does the nominee need to know, what should his or her views on justice be, what civil rights should he or she be concerned with. Students are encouraged to read Justice for All Facilitator’s guide modules 2-6 for guidance.
We are looking for thoughtful, creative responses. The winning essay will be published on the Justice for All website and the winner will receive a $400 award, certificate, HRC t-shirt, and recognition in Equality Magazine. An honorable mention will be accompanied by a $100 award, certificate, HRC t-shirt and recognition on the Justice for All website. Essays must be submitted no later than May 15th 2009. Be sure to completely read all contest rules before submitting your essay.
Contest Rules
1. Applicants must be full time students at a high school located in the United States or the United States Territories.
2. Applicants must be between 13 and 19 years of age.
3. Applicants must stipulate that the essay is their own original work.
4. All quotes must be attributed to the original source.
5. The winner will be chosen at HRC’s sole discretion based on HRC’s determination of the quality of the essay.
6. HRC retains the right to publish the essay in whole or in part in perpetuity.
7. Contest winners will be required to have a parent or guardian sign a release to be featured before the winner can receive his or her award.