Law Day Materials for Grades 6 - 12

Categories are listed below, rules will be finalized by December 1, 2026.

Submission Rules

• Entries must be the students' own work (no use of generative AI/ChatGPT or related programs)
• Entries must be submitted with an Entry Form/Permission Slip (click here for the form)
• Please direct any questions to Austin at awestermann@pcbaonline.org
• Projects, entry forms and project descriptions (if applicable) all should be submitted together HERE.
• Group projects may only include a maximum of three students.
• Students are welcome to make as many entries as they wish, however a student/group will only be able to win once in any given category. Substantively duplicative entries submitted in multiple categories will only be considered in one category. 
• A student will only be able to win a maximum of two prizes.
• The PCBA Law Day Committee reserves the right to modify the submission category of any submission should the committee deem the submission to fit better in a different category

Judging

• Judged on creative expression and understanding of the Law Day theme - entries can be curious, critical, serious, satirical or humorous
• Entries will be judged by the PCBA Law Day Committee, comprised of judges and attorneys
• NEW: Physical submissions will be judged in person and we must receive your project if it is in physical form - please contact Austin at awestermann@pcbaonline.org to arrange delivery or pick up prior to the deadline.

Categories

• Essay

  • Individual projects only
  • Essays should be 200-500 words and either typed or handwritten with standard formatting.
  • Entries must be submitted HERE to be judged.

• Visual Arts 

  • Group projects allowed, but prize would be shared
  • Visual Arts may be submitted in the form of any original two or three-dimensional medium, including (but not limited to) painting, sculpture, graphic design, poster, and photography.
  • The entry must be any original compilation of illustrations, media, or images, crayons, markers, pens, pencils and/or paints along with related tools are acceptable. Artwork may be done in school or at home.
  • A short written explanation including a title (75 words max.) must accompany the entry in this category of how the entry relates to the Law Day theme - this portion is to aid the judges.
  • PCBA will make arrangements for pick up or drop off of winning submission - please email Austin (email above) before deadline to assist in arranging this
  • Projects in this category should be submitted HERE

• Music and Performing Arts

  • Group projects allowed, but prize would be shared
  • In the form of:
    1. An original musical composition (lyrics must be original, but precomposed melodies and background music are permissible) recorded in the following playable formats: YouTube or Windows Media Player. YouTube is preferred; OR
    2. An original video production, such as a documentary or original drama recorded in the following formats: YouTube or Windows Media Player. YouTube is preferred.
    3. Any other submission where the student/students are the primary of the performance such as an original dramatic performance like dance, monologue or spoken word. 
  • Student entries may be shorter than 3 minutes in length, but should not be longer than 4 minutes.
  • All video and audio entries must be submitted via a link such as YouTube or other similar service - a link to that media should be submitted HERE. 

• Poetry

  • Individual projects only
  • May be in the form of any traditionally recognized form: epic, blank verse, sonnets, haiku, etc.
  • Consider use of figurative language, imagery, pun, oxymoron, and personification.
  • Poetry will be judged on the writing and not on any accompanying visual aspects. 
  • One page limit.
  • Must be submitted HERE for judging

• Multimedia 

  • Group projects allowed, but prize would be shared
  • If your submission does not seem to fit into any of the other categories, this category may be used for submissions that do not seem to fit in any other above category. 
  • Projects in this category could include multiple types of technology
  • A short written explanation including a title (75 words max.) may accompany the entry in this category (if not already a part of your submission) of how the entry relates to the Law Day theme - this portion is to aid the judges.
  • Student entries must be 4 minutes in length or shorter.
  • Any video and audio entries must be submitted and playable on YouTube or Windows Media Player.  This also includes a platform to view any informational or game apps created.
  • Entries must be submitted HERE to be judged.