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The Greater Lafayette Chapter
of the
American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana
is proud to sponsor the
2008 "My Civil Liberties Matter" Essay Contest
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Download Poster here (Microsoft Word)
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America's basic civil liberties as expressed in the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution deserve familiarity and reverence. This contest focuses on education and interpretation of one of the first ten Amendments to this historic foundational document.
The Greater Lafayette Chapter of the ACLU-IN encourages all 6th-12th grade students in the community to participate in this celebration of the heritage of America's civil liberties.
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Requirements:
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DEADLINE:
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Must be postmarked by November 7, 2008.
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Junior Division: grades 6-9
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A typed double-spaced essay on "My Civil Liberties Matter" a minimum of 300 words in length highlighting one of the first Ten Amendments. It should include the personal perspective of the writer, as well as one court case that highlights this civil liberty. A bibliography should be included.
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Senior Division: grades 10-12
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A typed double-spaced essay on "My Civil Liberties Matter" a minimum of 500 words in length highlighting one of the first Ten Amendments. It should include the personal perspective of the writer, as well as one court case that highlights this civil liberty. It demonstrates research into the origin of the chosen civil liberty's inclusion among the First Ten Amendments to the US Constitution. A bibliography should be included.
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ALL ESSAYS should be submitted with the official cover page, with the full contact information for the writer. This is the only place where the name or other identifying information shall be present.
Essays will be graded on the inclusion of all required materials, explanation of the amendment and case included, as well as grammar and spelling appropriate to age and grade level.
PRIZES: Three prizes will be awarded to each level in the amounts of $100, $50, and $25. The decision of the judges will be final.
Winners will be notified by December 8th, so as to be able to make arrangements to be present at the awards ceremony on Bill of Rights Day on December 15, 2008.
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Suggested Resources:
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http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html
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http://supreme.justia.com (for case law and explanations)
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Send submissions, postmarked by November 7, 2008 to:
The Greater Lafayette Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana
P.O. Box 2706
West Lafayette IN 47906
ATTN: Contest Chairman
http://aclu-in-lafayette.org
Chair: Randy Studt - gnwmann@aolmann.aol.com
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The following writer information must be included with each entry:
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Name:
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Grade Level:
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Address:
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Phone:
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Parent/Guardian Name:
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Email:
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School:
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Signature:
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Participants agree to allow their essays and personal appearance to be used in promotions of the contest. This includes print, web, and video materials.
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