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Annual Bill of Rights Student Essay Contest Now Open!
The Massachusetts Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and Discovering Justice are excited to announce this year's Bill of Rights Month student essay contest, open to all high school students who reside in Massachusetts!
Students will respond to the following question:
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In New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985), the United State Supreme Court held that students have an expectation of privacy at school. However, to balance this right with the school's responsibility to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, the Court ruled that school officials may search a student or their belongings so long as there is a "reasonable suspicion" that the student is violating either the law or school rules and policies. Given the evolving ways the Fourth Amendment is applied in schools today, what should the balance be between ensuring student safety and respecting students' Fourth Amendment rights?
A judging committee comprised of federal judges and FBA board members will decide on the top three essays submitted. First, second, and third-place winners will receive a cash prize, as will students with honorable mentions. Finalists will have their essays published on the Court’s website, the First Circuit’s Civics website, and in both the Massachusetts FBA and Discovering Justice newsletter.
Questions?
Please reach out to FBA Board Members Annabel Rodriguez (arodriguez@verrill-law.com) or Jennifer Denker (jdenker@meehanboyle.com) with any questions.
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