Law Day 2024

"Voices of Democracy: Celebrating the First Amendment and the Right to Vote"-
Student Video Contest

The Law Day 2024 theme is Voices of Democracy. The theme recognizes that in democracies, the people rule. For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their political views and wishes by speaking their minds and voting in elections. This contest seeks to amplify student voice on the importance of the First Amendment and the right to vote. 

VIDEO PROMPT

Make a video that creatively expresses the importance of accurate, reliable information as the United States approaches the election this fall. Use your voice to inspire others to cherish and exercise the right to vote as knowledgeable, informed citizens.

CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES

The contest is open to students who are at least 13 years of age and currently enrolled in school up to and including grade 12, living and learning in New York State.

Videos must be the original, unpublished work of one student or a team of no more than four (4) students – recognizing any prize money for one entry will be divided by the team equally.

Videos must be at least 15 seconds and no longer than 2 minutes, 30 seconds in length.

All entries must either be submitted in English or, if in another language, include English subtitles.

Participants will submit their video entry electronically via Flip using the following link: https://flip.com/0aaa26bf or via YouTube. If using YouTube – the entry video file must be uploaded to the student’s YouTube Channel and made “unlisted.”

Each entrant must complete an entry form providing participant(s) information and a brief description of the video's inspiration and message. Click here to download the entry form.

The video submitted must be the original work of the applicant(s), and may not contain the work of others without express written consent. if your video entry includes any unoriginal content, such as photos, music, or media that were not expressly created by the entrant(s) you must provide a completed reference sheet. Click here to download a blank reference sheet. Plagiarism or uncited references of any kind will result in disqualification.

A release form must be completed for each person included in the video. The release form can be downloaded here.

A completed entry form, reference sheet and release form(s) must be scanned and sent via email to lawdaynynpa@gmail.com and received on or before the submission deadline of May 22, 2024 at Noon. Please include entrant’s name in the subject line. Failure to complete necessary documents will result in disqualification.

Any entry deemed inappropriate at the sole discretion of either the New York Newspapers Foundation or the New York Bar Foundation will be disqualified.

The only compensation for submitting a video is the opportunity to be awarded a prize if the entry wins.

All entrants grant the New York Newspapers Foundation and/or the New York Bar Foundation the right to use, distribute, and/or display the entrant’s video without further compensation or notification to the entrant.

DEADLINE: All entries must be received by Noon on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

FAQs:

Is there a submission fee? No fees! This contest was made possible in part by generous support through a grant by the New York Bar Foundation.

What video formats are accepted? Only videos submitted using Flip or posted to YouTube that adhere to all other criteria on or before the deadline will be accepted.

How are the essays judged? The videos will be reviewed and judged using the rubric. Successful videos will fully address the contest prompt. Click here to download a copy of the judging rubric.

How many winners will there be? It is the goal of this contest to have one winner per geographic area of New York State – Long Island, New York City, Eastern New York, Central New York and Western New York. Please note, winning entries could be published on the NYNPA website as well as by NYNPA member newspapers with attribution (Name and Town of the student). Winners will be strongly encouraged to participate in a forum to share their entries and take part in a moderated student virtual discussion panel sometime before the end of June. If unavailable for the panel discussion, arrangements will be made to obtain a pre-recorded segment to be aired during the live event. (Details TBD).  A cash award of $200 will be given to the winner in each geographic region. The decision of the judges will be final.

Fan Favorite Award: In addition to the regional winners, qualifying videos will be made available for students of all ages to vote for their favorite. The video with the most public votes will also be given a $200 award.

How are the finalists announced? An email notification will be sent in early June.

Questions? Contact Education Services Director, Mary Miller at lawdaynynpa@gmail.com or mmiller@nynpa.com

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The following educational materials were created by the New York Newspapers Foundation's News Media Literacy/Newspaper In Education program with support from The New York Bar Foundation. The resources include a 7-part series of features (English and Spanish), and teaching guide with graphic organizers, and audio podcasts in English for middle/high school level students.The series highlights 6 famous, historic quotes about the significance of voting. Four pages of graphic organizers in the teaching guide were created to introduce the larger concepts of this content, especially the rule of law, to elementary students.

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This project was created by the New York Newspapers Foundation's News Media Literacy/Newspaper In Education program and the student essay and discussion panel was generously funded by the New York Bar Foundation.

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The Law Day 2023 — Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility and Collaboration. The theme not only calls to mind the work the founders did in forming our Constitution but what it will take now for “We the People” to collectively begin rebuilding trust in our institutions, treating each other with respect, and collaborating on mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges that face our nation.

Based on the results of a statewide student interest survey of current events, Equal Rights/Social Justice ranked the highest. The following essay prompt asked students to expand on that topic.

ESSAY PROMPT

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution supports equal rights and social justice in our country. What role do civics, civility and collaboration and access to accurate sources of news and information play?

The regional essay winners are:

• New York City: Zain Taheri, Tottenville High School, Staten Island
• Eastern New York: Ashlin Davila, Nanuet High School, Nanuet
• Long Island: Sid Mohamed, Hempstead High School, Hempstead
• Central New York: Susmita Saha, Union-Edicott High School, Endicott

There were no qualifying entries received from Western New York. Each winner was awarded a $200 prize.

The four student winners were invited to participate in a virtual student discussion panel, alongside civic educators. Among the adult panelists were Mary Miller, the Education Services Director at NYNPA, David Scott, Esq., Coordinator for Project PATCH at Northport - East Northport UFSD, and Eileen Gerrish, former editor of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and retired Director of the Law, Youth and Citizenship program at the New York State Bar Association. During the project's culminating event, the students had the opportunity to showcase their essays, reflect on their essay preparation process, and share valuable insights and advice for their peers.

Click on the image below to see what the students had to say about Equal Rights and Social Justice in our country and the role civics, civility and collaboration and access to accurate sources of news and information play.

Questions to consider while watching or after watching the video:

• Does the Constitution and the Rule of Law do enough to the protect an individual's rights in the United States today? Find examples to defend your answer.
• How does news and information aid or hinder the actions of those seeking equal rights and social justice? Find media examples to defend your answer
• What roles does social media play, if any?
• How can you make a difference in the fight for equal rights and social justice?

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The following educational materials were created by the New York Newspapers Foundation's News Media Literacy/Newspaper In Education program with support from The New York Bar Foundation. The resources include a 6-part series of features (English and Spanish), teaching guide with graphic organizers, and audio podcasts in English for middle/high school level students. Five pages of graphic organizers in the teaching guide were created to introduce the larger concepts of this content, especially the rule of law, to elementary students.

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Law Day 2022 — Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change — reminds all of us that the Constitution is a dynamic document, as it not only outlines a blueprint for government, but also delegates power, articulates rights, and offers mechanisms for change.

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Law Day 2021 - Advancing the Rule of Law NOW

This content highlights case law and news events to help illustrate and explain the key principles of the rule of law. As you think about the following ideals, remember to reflect on the importance each of us has in ensuring we uphold the law and the continued challenges we face in safeguarding that:

• No one is above the law,
• Everyone is treated equally under the law,
• Everyone is held accountable to the same laws,
• There are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws,
• There is an independent judiciary, and
• Human rights are guaranteed for all.

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Law Day 2020 - Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100

The 19th Amendment was a transformative constitutional amendment that guaranteed the right of citizens to vote would not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex. American women fought for, and won, the vote through their voice and action..

This content is free to reproduce and distribute with full attribution and recognition of the sponsoring organizations. Each feature is available as a PDF file and audio podcast in an MP3 format. Each feature after the introduction includes a quote from a famous individual, a brief summary of the time period in which he or she lived and a news activity to make this historic reference relevant to us today. Introduction - MP3 (1 min, 52 secs) Frederick Douglass - MP3 (2 mins, 50 secs) Sojourner Truth - MP3 (2 mins, 34 secs) Susan B. Anthony - MP3 (2 mins, 39 secs) Elizabeth Cady Stanton - MP3 (2 mins, 40 secs) Justice Louis D. Brandeis - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Alice Paul - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Jeannette Rankin - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Carrie Chapman Catt - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) President Franklin D. Roosevelt - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) President Dwight D. Eisenhower - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Robert Kennedy - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Septima Poinsette Clark - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Hillary Rodham Clinton - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) Benjamin Todd Jealous - MP3 (2 mins, 29 secs) To download the complete series - all 15 features and the teaching guide/graphic organizers including a list of additional internet resources on these topics, use the links below: Full series - English Full series - Spanish 19 page teaching guide with student graphic organizers

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Law Day 2019 - Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society

In the United States and around the world, freedom of speech and the press are among the most important foundations for a free society. This multi-part series and supplemental resources examine highlights in our long history of freedom of expression and of a free press, and how “We the People” continually work together to ensure that the key principles of the First Amendment are realized for all members of our society.

This content is free to NYNPA member publications to reproduce and distribute, all others should contact the NYNPA for copyright permissions or licensing. All teachers are welcome to download and use the PDF files or Audio Podcasts in MP3 format via the links below. Introduction PDF - MP3 (2 min, 21 secs) The Truth Matters PDF- MP3 (4 mins, 25 secs) Fighting Injustice PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 23 secs) Government Watchdog - PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 45 secs) Students and Their First Amendment - PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 42 secs) Free Speech, Free Press and the Future of Our Free Society - PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 51 secs)

To download the complete series - all six features and the teaching guide/graphic organizers including a list of additional internet resources on these topics, use the links below: Full series - English Full series - Spanish 26 page teaching guide with student graphic organizers

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Law Day 2018 - Framework for Freedom

The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government with distinct and independent branches—congress, the presidency, and the Supreme Court. Our Constitution also defines the powers for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our government and outlines how they interact. These three separate branches share power, and each branch serves as a check on the power of the others. The series explores the ideas of separation of powers and checks and balances and how they set up a framework for freedom and the role a free press and citizens have with it.

You may download each feature individually here or as a complete 6-page PDF file below. Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom Introduction Overview of Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The Judicial Branch Citizens and the Fourth Estate

To download the complete series - all six features and the teaching guide with graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series 20 page teaching guide with student graphic organizers

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Law Day 2017- The Fourteenth Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.

The Fourteenth Amendment has reshaped American law and society. By defining U.S. citizenship and through its due process and equal protection clauses, this transformative amendment advanced the rights of all Americans. It also played a pivotal role in limiting the states from abridging freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Ratified during Reconstruction a century and a half ago, the Fourteenth Amendment serves as the cornerstone of landmark civil rights legislation, the foundation for numerous federal court decisions protecting fundamental rights, and a source of inspiration for all those who advocate for equal justice under law.Complete with an 20 page teaching guide with graphic organizers, this series includes engaging lessons easily adaptable for differentiated instruction.   The guide also has a listing of weblinks to many other free, related, educational resources.

You may download each feature individually here or as a complete 7-page PDF file below. The 14th Amendment - Transforming American Democracy Introduction Background Information/Historic Context Plessy v. Ferguson and Separate But Equal Equal Protection and Brown v. Board (1954) Procedural Due Process and Goss v. Lopez Substantive Due Process and Pierce v. Society of Sisters Citizenship and U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark

To download the complete series - all seven features and the teaching guide with graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series 20 page teaching guide with student graphic organizers

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Law Day 2016 - "Miranda: More Than Words"

2016 marked the 50th anniversary of perhaps the nation’s best-known U.S. Supreme Court case, Miranda v. Arizona. The Miranda Warning has become ingrained in law enforcement and has permeated popular consciousness through countless recitations in films and television shows. Yes, we’ve all heard Miranda but how much do we really understand?  Complete with an 18 page teaching guide with graphic organizers, this series includes engaging lessons that dig deeper into the words of a typical Miranda warning.  The guide also has a listing of weblinks to many other free, related, educational resources.

You may download each features individually here or as a complete 6-page PDF file below. Miranda: More Than Words Introduction You Have the Right to Remain Silent Anything You Say May Be Used Against You In a Court of Law You Have the Right to an Attorney If You Cannot Afford an Attorney... Do You Understand These Rights?

To download the complete series - all six features and the teaching guide with graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series 18 page teaching guide with student worksheets/graphic organizers

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Law Day 2015 - "Magna Carta 800: Symbol of Freedom Under Law"

Perhaps more than any other document in history, Magna Carta has come to embody a simple but enduring truth: No one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.In the eight centuries that have elapsed since Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, it has taken root as an international symbol of the rule of law and as an inspiration for many basic rights Americans hold dear including habeas corpus and due process. In keeping with this year's theme, the NYNPA NIE program in partnership with the Law, Youth and Citizenship program of the NYS Bar Association has developed an eight part educational series to prompt discussion about these principles. Complete with an 18 page teaching guide with graphic organizers this series includes lessons easily adaptable for differentiated instruction.

You may download each features individually here or as a complete 8-page PDF file below. Magna Carta U.S. Constitution - Habeas Corpus The Fifth Amendment Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (2004) The Fourteenth Amendment In re Gault (1967) Goss v. Lopez (1975) Search for Freedom

To download the complete series - all eight features and the teaching guide with graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series 18 page teaching guide with student worksheets/graphic organizers

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Law Day 2014 - "American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters"

One of our most cherished national ideals, expressed eloquently by Abraham Lincoln, is “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” It is a principle enshrined in our Nation’s founding documents, from the Declaration of Independence’s assurance that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, to the opening three words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, “We the People.”The right to vote is the very foundation of government by the people. For this reason, striving to establish and protect every citizen’s right to vote has been a central theme of American legal and civic history. Much of the struggle on voting rights began decades ago, but the work is far from complete, and a citizen’s right to cast a ballot remains at risk today. In keeping with this year's theme, the NYNPA NIE program in partnership with the Law, Youth and Citizenship program of the NYS Bar Association has developed a seven part educational series to prompt discussion about the importance of voting and the ongoing struggle to ensure voting rights for all citizens of the United States. Complete with a 15 page teaching guide with graphic organizers this series is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and includes lessons easily adaptable for differentiated instruction.The features highlight seven diverse public figures from the 1800s through today and their quotes about the importance of voting.

The features highlight seven diverse public figures from the 1800s through today and their quotes about the importance of voting.

Sojourner Truth (1867) Alice Paul (1917) Franklin D. Roosevelt (1944) Lyndon B. Johnson (1965) Gore Vidal (1994) Roger Mudd (2001) Hillary Rodham Clinton (2005)

To download the complete series - all 7 features and the teaching guide with graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series 15 page teaching guide with student worksheets/graphic organizers

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Law Day 2013 - "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All"

The promise of equality under the law is what has made America a beacon to other nations. It is a pledge clearly set forth in the Declaration of Independence and in the opening words of the Preamble of the Constitution, “We the People.” It is in the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. And it was restated 150 years later in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech which challenged us to live up to our national ideal of equality under the law. There have been times throughout New York State’s history, when our struggles for equality lead those of the nation. This educational series was created to give students and readers an opportunity to explore the movement for civil and human rights in America and to promote discussion of the continued fight against injustice and discrimination.

The materials highlight 5 specific topics related to the ideal of equality for all. The links to the right bring up downloadable PDF files or Audio Podcasts in MP3 format.

Introduction PDF - MP3 (1 min, 41 secs) Religious Freedom PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 31 secs) Women's Suffrage PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 38 secs) Equal Opportunity PDF- MP3 (3 mins, 40 secs) Dignity for All Students PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 37 secs) Future Equality PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 41 secs)

To download the complete series - a promotional ad, all 5 features, a teachers' guide/graphic organizer packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: Full series Additional 13 pages of student worksheets/graphic organizers

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Law Day 2012 - "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom"

Open and accessible courts are the cornerstone of a free society. The framers of our Constitution recognized the importance of the courts when they made the judiciary one of the three coequal branches of our government. The courts are where we go to have our rights protected, our injuries redressed and our disputes resolved. Whether you are a consumer or a corporation, a victim or an accused, a lender or a debtor, a parent or a child, the work of the courts affects your everyday life.This educational series was created to give students and readers a general understanding of the process of the courts and the role the justice system has in our lives.

The materials highlight 5 specific topics related to the courts and our justice system. The links to the right bring up downloadable PDF files or Audio Podcasts in MP3 format.

Criminal Courts PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 13 secs) Civil Courts PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 8 secs) Juries PDF - MP3 (4 mins, 21 secs) The Appeals Process PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 41 secs) Alternate Dispute Resolution PDF - MP3 (3 mins, 25 secs)

To download the complete series, a promotional ad, all 5 features, a teachers' guide and worksheet packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: 5-part series 14 page Teachers' Guide Additional 12 pages of student worksheets/graphic organizers

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Law Day 2011 - The Legacy of John Adams: From Boston to Guantanamo

This project was funded by the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program at the New York State Bar Association with additional support by Albany Law School

The materials highlight 5 specific cases, 4 of them originating in New York. The links to the right bring up PDF files with the newspaper features and corresponding student worksheet(s) for the case listed.

The Boston Massacre William Seward's defense of William Freeman The Lemmon Slave Case Susan B. Anthony jailed for voting The Pentagon Papers Case

To download the complete series, all 5 features and worksheet packet including a list of additional internet resources, use the links below: 5-part series Corresponding 8 page, student worksheets packet

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Law Day 2010 - Law in the 21st Century: Emerging Challenges and Enduring Traditions

This project was funded by the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program at the New York State Bar Association with additional support by Albany Law School

Law Day 2008 - The Rule of Law

The PDF file contains an introductory promotion piece and five features highlighting landmark court cases that originated in New York State.  Each feature gives some background, a brief description of the issues and the court verdict in each case.  Each also has a newspaper tie-in activity.

The five cases are:
King v. John Peter Zenger - 1730,
Gibbons v. Ogden - 1824,
Lochner v. New York - 1905,
Engel v. Vitale - 1961 and
New York Times v. US - 1973

Student worksheets are also available to download here. This project was funded by the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program at the New York State Bar Association.

 

For more on Newspapers in Education please contact Mary Miller at: mmiller@nynpa.com or call (518) 449-1667.

More NIE information on this site:

NYNPA News Media Literacy/NIE Home | Famous New Yorkers | Free NIE Materials

If you'd like to make a tax-deductable donation to the New York Newspapers Foundation's News Media Literacy/Newspaper In Education program, click here.

New York News Publishers Association, Inc.
Phone/Fax (518) 449-1667 - Toll-free: (800) 777-1667