The Honorable Judge James T. Giles Essay Competition - Pepper ...

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May 27, 2011 ... The Judge James T. Giles Essay Competition is designed to encourage high school students to consider topical legal issues and explore ...
The Honorable Judge James T. Giles Essay Competition A High School Writing Contest Sponsored by Pepper Hamilton llp

The Judge James T. Giles Essay Competition is designed to encourage high school students to consider topical legal issues and explore alternative legal positions regarding these issues. Students are free to write their essays from any perspective but should include arguments supporting the position taken and addressing opposing views. The essay must relate to the topic and the student must incorporate the topic and/or answer the essay question in the essay.

TOPIC

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.



Many Americans believe this language prevents government from passing laws that regulate or prohibit the purchase and ownership of guns by individuals. For example, there has been a recent debate in Philadelphia regarding the ability of the city to restrict handgun purchases. Many Americans, however, disagree that there is any such absolute right and instead believe that the government may pass and enforce such laws to ensure public safety.

ESSAY QUESTION

How should the phrase "right to bear arms" be understood as used in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION - Extended

5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 27, 2011

AWARDS

1st Place: $1,000 2nd Place: $500 3rd Place: $250

COMPETITION RULES Eligible Contestants

The essay contest is open to currently enrolled Philadelphia public high school students (grades 9-12).

Essay Format • The essay must be the Contestant’s original work. • The essay should include a cover page that includes: »» the title of the essay »» the name of the student »» his/her grade, and »» the name of the high school. • The title of the essay should be included at the top of page one of the essay. • The essay must be at least 500 words and no longer than 1,000 words. • Citations, references and bibliography are NOT required and will not be included in the word count. • The type font must be Times New Roman, 12 point. • All essays should be double spaced, have 1 inch margins and include page numbers at the bottom of the page.

Competition Deadline and Submission Deadline for submission extended - Essays must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 27, 2011. 1. The essay may be submitted via e-mail or U.S. mail, however, e-mail is preferred. 2. If submitted via e-mail, the Contestant must send the essay as an attachment to an e-mail in Word format to [email protected]. 3. If submitted by mail, the essay must be typewritten and mailed to Pepper Hamilton LLP 3000 Two Logan Square 18th and Arch Streets Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799

Evaluation of Essays Essays will be evaluated according to five categories: quality, content, persuasiveness, style, and organization.

Awards The competition winners will be announced during the first week of June 2011. The following prizes will be awarded: 1st Place: 2nd Place: 3rd Place:

$1,000 $500 $250

All essays submitted become the property of Pepper Hamilton llp and will not be returned. Contestants should retain a copy for his/her records.