The 16th Judicial Circuit Office of the Chief Judge announced its second annual Law Day Essay Contest for Spring 2026. The contest is open to all high school sophomores and juniors who attend school in Kane County. Applications are being accepted now through 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. The Kane County Bar Foundation has donated prizes for each grade category (Sophomore and Junior): $500 for first place and $250 each for second and third place.
In addition, the contest will include a new Law Day Spirit Award to honor a Kane County individual or organization that exemplifies the principles of Law Day. First proclaimed by president Eisenhower in 1958, Law Day (May 1) recognizes the rule of law and the role of the legal system in protecting liberty and promoting justice. This year’s contest aligns with the Law Day theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” and aims to engage students and the community in discussion of these ideals. For more about Law Day, visit
LawDay.org.
For contest details and application instructions, visit: https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Pages/Law-Day-Essay-Writing-Contest.aspx.
—16th Judicial Circuit Office of the Chief Judge