Constitutional Law Essay Assessment and Optional Contest
Discussing the law in colonial times was always spirited!
Members of the Delaware County Bar Association and the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation are
hosting a Constitutional Law Program entitled "Is the Constitution Still Alive" to promote discussion and
interest in the United States Constitution. The Program is scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2016 at the
Delaware County Bar Association Building (Front and Lemon Streets, Media) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m.
The Program will begin with a panel of prominent persons, including judges, law professors and lawyers,
who will discuss the most important cases decided by the Supreme Court over the course of U.S.
history involving the Constitution.
Following the panel discussion, the Plantation personnel, dressed in period costumes, will reenact a Town
Hall Meeting that might have taken place in colonial times. Refreshments will be served, including food
and drink of the colonial period, as well as "modern" treats.
Local students in grade 9 - 12 will participate in this celebration of our Constitution by submitting an
essay of 500 words or less on the following topic:
The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the land- the
court of last resort. Should the court interpret the words of the
constitution or change them? Why?
The essays will be graded and if you so wish your essay can be submitted to the contest. The
submitted essays will be judged by local law school professors and the top three winners from each
category will be asked to read their essay at the Program on January 8, 2016. Winners will receive a
United States savings bond for use toward their college education costs.
Writing for Understanding 25 point assignment
Requirements:
a. Essays must be between 490 and 510 words
b. Essays must be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font
c. Essays must be contain original thought and ideas by the writer but may use
researched facts or examples
d. Edited with proper use of grammar and spelling
e. Essays are due Tuesday December 15, 2015
Contest submissions may be edited if you like and must be resubmitted no later than
December 21, 2015.
All contest submissions must include your name, age, grade, home address, home
phone number, school, teacher, and school telephone number (610-497-6300).
Teacher will have all submitted student essays forwarded to Richard A. Mitchell,
Esquire at 339 West State Street, P.O. Box 566, Media, PA 19063.