These entries won the 2009 Law Day Art & Essay Contest:

Sara Weidler McCall. Middle School

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Robert Barnes, McCall Middle School

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Braden Route, Williamsport High School

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Brandon Cott, Lyter, Elementary School

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Alexis Huff,  Ashkar Elementary School

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Rilynn Temple, Carl G Renn Elementary School

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People Who Make Our Courts Work

Police keep us safe and arrest people who break laws. The Magistrate gives the defendant a fine, sends them to jail, or sends them in front of the judge. The lawyer makes sure the defendant gets treated fairly, tries to prove they are innocent. The jury is a group of regular people that listen to the evidence, and decide if the defendant is innocent or guilty. The judge decides if the evidence can be shown in court, makes sure the laws are obeyed, decides innocence or guilt, and says what the punishment will be. These are some people who make our courts work.

Skilyn Deitrick, Central Elementary School

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Internet Legislation

There is a lot of debate over civil liberties that citizens take for granted, such as Internet use. Many Americans use this information source daily for school, work, and leisure. Some people, however, misuse this powerful tool. Even so, the Internet should not be restricted in any way.

One event that brought the question of Internet restriction to many people's minds is the Lori Drew case. Although this woman behaved cruelly toward Megan Meier, her access to the Internet was not the cause of Megan's suicide. The Internet was simply a way to pester Megan, which in itself is allowed by the First Amendment. Additionally, if MySpace were restricted, Americans who use this website harmlessly would be punished for no reason.

An example of a country in which restrictions are currently placed on the Internet is China. "The Great Firewall of China" keeps the citizens of mainland China from accessing politically controversial websites, many blogs, and even Wikipedia. Some sources indicate that if anti-government content is posted, it is usually deleted within minutes by the Internet police. These restrictions have caused international outrage. If we allow Internet restrictions, we risk losing those freedoms granted to us by the First Amendment. Legislation limiting Internet use would do America more harm than good.

Braden Route, Williamsport High School

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"Different Treatment For Different Folks"

I do not think discrimination is legal for several reasons. First of all, you do not get to choose your race or gender. Second, people should be free to choose who they are and what kind of person they are. Also, they should not be pressured to choose a certain political party or religion. Fourth, people can be whomever they want and choose to be. Next, people are all the same underneath, in their heart. Last, even if someone is different than you, you can still be friends. These are a few reasons why I do not think discrimination is legal.

There are also a few laws to back up my opinion. First of all, the WEA (Work Enforcement Act) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, and political affliction or belief. Also, laws state that it is illegal to decide about employment and other things based on discrimination. Third, there are laws in the United States Constitution that state you can't discriminate people. Lastly, government offices monitor discrimination. Those are a few laws that back up my opinion.

Amelia Deacon, McCall Middle School

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Jauzline Middendorf, Jackson Elementary School