AUGUSTA — The Maine State Bar Association is extending its Law Day (May 1) student essay and art contests, and encouraging schools to contact the association for speakers who can share more about the law and courts in Maine.

“The Maine State Bar Association believes that students who understand how the legal system works will be better positioned as adults to support our democratic institutions, access to justice, and the rule of law,” said MSBA Executive Director Angela Armstrong.

Maine students in fourth to eighth grades may participate in the art poster contest; students in ninth to 12th grades may participate in the essay contest. The entry deadline is Friday, June 2.

This year’s theme is “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” All entries should reflect the student’s interpretation of the 2023 Law Day theme by responding to the following prompt: Explain or depict how pursuing civics, civility, and collaboration could help our nation improve public discourse and foster understanding of the Constitution and American government.

Winning essays and posters will be published online and in the Maine Bar Journal, and cash prizes will be awarded.

For more information about Law Day or to download the Law Day contest brochures, visit mainebar.org/lawday.

Educators who wish to have a Maine attorney visit their school and talk about this year’s Law Day theme, or other aspects of the rule of law in Maine, should email MSBA Communications Director Kathryn Holub at kholub@mainebar.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!