LAW DAY ESSAY
Realizing the Dream: Equality for All
Throughout its history the U.S. has continued to expand the definition of
equality under the law. How can the idea of equality be redefined for 21st
Century realities? In support of your position, please include an example
of a Supreme Court case or cases that guaranteed equal rights for all.
This year’s Law Day Essay topic is about the changing definition of equality throughout
our United States history and into today. The definition has been expanded through
Constitutional amendments and Supreme Court cases, and marginalized groups continue
to fight for equality today.
In your essay, you should
 Introduce the topic and discuss how the definition of equality has changed in the
United States over the years. Think 14th Amendment!
 Include at least two Supreme Court cases that expanded the definition of equality
and explain how those cases helped to guarantee equal rights for all
 Discuss how the idea of equality can be redefined for 21st Century realities (how
can it be expanded to include even more people today).
 Discuss current cases or laws that affect equality for certain groups of people.
 Include if/how the cases or issues you write about affect you or your
friends/family members personally (don’t just say, “this affects me personally
because I’m a girl/biracial/white male/etc. Tell it as a story or in the context of
what you are writing).
Essay must be 2-3 pages typed, double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman) with
regular one-inch margins. Include references on a separate page. Title page should have
your name, school (Sebring McKinley High School), and grade level. The actual essay
should not exceed three pages.
Rubric
Discussion of changing definition of equality
Your idea of how can it be redefined for today
2 Supreme Court cases that support your idea
Current cases or issues that will be influenced
Spelling/grammar/punctuation/organization
TOTAL
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