News & Announcements


Fourth Circuit Sponsors 2018 High School Essay Contest

February 02, 2018

2018 Fourth Circuit Essay Contest

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is seeking submissions for its 2018 essay contest. 

Students are invited to consider and share their thoughts on the question: “How has the Fourteenth Amendment impacted education in the 150 years since it was ratified, and what impact will it likely have in the future?”

The contest is open to students currently in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Essays are limited to 1,000 words and must be submitted by April 15, 2018.

Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $2,000; second place, $1,500; and third place, $1,000. 

Winners will be announced in June and presented at a Constitution Day event in September 2018.

For additional information and instructions on how to submit an essay, visit http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/essay-contest-2018

For questions, contact the Fourth Circuit Clerk’s Office at essaycontest@ca4.uscourts.gov or (804) 916-2706.

Please note: Children, grandchildren, stepchildren, or members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee are excluded from the competition.