2006 Law Day Essay Contest

May 02, 2006
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In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1st Law Day to strengthen our nation’s great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. Each year since, the American Bar Association, with help from local courts, bar associations and legal charities, has promoted events across the nation to celebrate Law Day. The 2006 theme of Separate Branches, Balanced Powers celebrates our government’s doctrine of separation of powers supported by the concept of checks and balances.

Purpose: To increase understanding by youth of the rule of law and the important role a fair & impartial court plays in our democracy through interactive education and positive interaction with the judicial courts of Arizona. Through this increased understanding the ultimate goals are: to encourage positive relationships, reduce juvenile delinquent behaviors, and increase respect for each of the three branches of our democracy.

Topic: “Why fair and impartial courts are important to maintain the rule of law.”

Students from 8 counties submitted essays

Over 90 community volunteers – judged student essays including attorneys and members of the Court’s Community Advisory Boards

Essay contest Winners:

Winner School County
Mark Nichols Academy Of Tucson Pima
Brian Baldwin Academy Of Tucson Pima
Kyrstin Lynnette Hortin Buena High School Cochise
Brenden Herrod Buena High School Cochise
Becky Lund Buena High School Cochise
Richard E. Harasyn Buena High School Cochise
Samantha Pembrook Buena High School Cochise
Brock Johnson Chandler High School Maricopa
Shannon Mann Ganado High School Apache
Alix Ruechel Holbrook High School Navajo
Jennifer Koehmstedt Northland Preparatory Academy Coconino
Vance Marcus Bryce Thatcher High School Graham
Vincent T. Seropian Yuma Catholic High School Yuma
Sarah Sacco Basha High School Maricopa
Aleesa Baakko Buena High School Cochise