Law Day

What is Law Day?

Every year on May 1, communities across the country celebrate Law Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of the rule of law in protecting our rights and supporting justice. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how the legal system helps safeguard the freedoms we all value. The essay contest encourages students to take part in this tradition by sharing their own thoughts and perspectives on key questions about our democracy.

Competition Overview

The Superior Court of San Benito is pleased to announce its annual celebration of Law Day on Friday, May 1st, 2026. The court invites students in grades 9–12, as well as students enrolled at Gavilan College, to participate in the essay contest based on the theme “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” All participants, along with the public, are invited to attend the Law Day Ceremony on May 1st at 3:30 PM at the courthouse, where the essay winners will be announced. 

All San Benito County students (public, private, or home‑schooled) are eligible to enter.

For full instructions and entry requirements, please review the contest rules

Theme

The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

The rule of law—the principle that no person is above the law—protects the rights and freedoms that allow people to pursue their goals and aspirations. The American Bar Association encourages everyone to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and reflect on how the rule of law supports the ability of all Americans to fulfill their dreams.

President Michelle Behnke of the American Bar Association announces the 2026 Law Day theme, The Rule of Law and the American Dream. 

Prizes

Winners will receive individual scholarships in the form of a gift card. Top entries will be published on the Court’s website and social media platforms. Unless a student clearly states otherwise, submissions may be posted publicly if selected as winning entries.

Rules

1.  Essays must be a maximum of 500 words, typed or handwritten in blue or black ink.
2.  Essays must be original, and the exclusive work of the student entering the competition. 
3. Essays may not include copyrighted characters, photographs, magazines, or newspaper illustrations.
4. Submissions will not be accepted or eligible if they include any content that contains or appears to contain:

• Profane, obscene, or inappropriate images or language
• Any derogatory characterization of any person or group based on age, race, color, gender, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, union membership, etc.
• Any actual or apparent copying or other infringement of another’s intellectual property or the use of AI (artificial intelligence).

Important Legal Stuff:

Submissions will not be accepted and are ineligible if they include any other content that contains or appears to contain profane, obscene, or inappropriate material; glorify or condone, or endorse or encourage, any illegal activity; and/or include any derogatory characterization of any person or group based on age, race, color, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, marital status, mental or physical disability, citizenship, creed, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, union membership, or other unethical or unlawful factors.

All entries become the property of the Superior Court of California, County of San Benito. Students are encouraged to keep copies of their entries (if feasible). Excerpts from submissions may be displayed in the Judicial Branch publications and/or websites. Entries will not be used for commercial purposes. 

To enter your essay:

Please make sure to include the required Cover Sheetwith your submission, whether you’re turning it in digitally or on paper.

Essay submissions can be entered any of the following ways:

• Emailed to: resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org
• Dropped off at the court
  • Hours of operation: Monday- Friday 8 AM-5 PM
• Mailed to the court:
  • Resource Team RE: Law Day, 450 4th Street, Hollister, CA 95023

Deadline:

Students are welcome and encouraged to submit their essays early. The final deadline is Friday, April 10, 2026.

For any questions:

Please email the resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org