Young People Have Their Say
Youngsters of all ages have been encouraged to participate in Law Day through a number of activities over the years. Among the most creative and eye-opening (for adults) is the essay contest, which gives young people an avenue by which to not only learn about law and the justice system, but also to express themselves.
In doing some Law Day research, I came upon winners from some 2000 Law Day essay contests. This sampling points to an intelligent population of young people who provide hope for the future.
The Ohio Bar Association sponsored the "There Out to Be a Law Essay Contest," which resulted in, among others, the following winning result:
"... A law ought to exist that prohibits smoking in all restaurants in Ohio.
"The terms of a smoking ban in Ohio restaurants can be stated simply. No smoking of any kind of legal tobacco product in any food service establishment, including, but not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, cafes, and dining rooms.... Punishment for a violation of the law will be a fine, the amount determined by the circumstances, such as the number of previous violations or the magnitude of the offense. The offense will be handled in the same manner as any other minor misdemeanor. A smoking ban in Ohio will bring huge benefits to everyone concerned. A Cornell University study published in April of 1996 found that, after the implementation of New York City's Smoke-Free Air Act, restaurant revenues actually rose, because non-smokers were dining in restaurants more often. Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in West Lake Hills, Texas, and the American Journal of Public Health in fifteen California and Colorado communities derived similar results. It is therefore conceivable that Ohio restaurateurs will have an increase as well. Also, the health benefits of smoke-free indoor air are immense. The reduction of secondhand smoke helps all non-smokers escape the afflictions caused by it, including lung cancer and heart disease. Children especially stand to benefit....
"...Passage of this law is in the best interest of the health of all Ohio's citizens. Anti-smoking legislation is the next step to take for the well-being of Ohioans."
-Amanda M. Dye, First Place, River Valley High School, Gallia County [http://www.ohiobar.org/public/lawday/1pl...
The winner below was among those selected in the Michigan Bar Association-sponsored essay contest based on the 2000 national Law Day theme "Celebrate Our Freedom: Speak Up for Democracy and Diversity":
"Americans pride themselves in allowing freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and diversity of opinion. Some people, however, contradict these freedoms through censorship. Censorship and freedom together in one country is oxymoronic.
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