Bar Associations

2008 Chacker Essay Contest Deadline April 11

By Philadelphia Bar Association

Named for former Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Edward F. Chacker, the 2008 contest offers a $1,000 college scholarship to High School Seniors who attend public, parochial, charter or private schools in Philadelphia. Seniors are asked to write an essay of at least 1,000 words on the question:

Do you think that school officials should be permitted to search a student?s computer, iPod or iPhone? Why or why not? What factors should a court consider when deciding whether it is proper for a school official to search the contents of a student's computer, iPod or iPhone?

The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is supposed to protect the privacy and security of individuals against unreasonable searches by government officials. However, school officials also have an interest in protecting the safety of their students and teachers. Students may want to address the possible kinds of information that could be on a computer, iPod or iPhone—like voicemails, emails, text messages, documents, videos, etc.— that could be illegal or perfectly legal but highly private information.

In addition to the scholarship, the winner will read their essay at a Naturalization Ceremony on May 1, 2008. Submissions should include the student's name, address, telephone number and school on a cover sheet accompanying the essay.

All entries must be received by Amy Muldoon at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or amuldoon@philabar.org by NOON on Friday, April 11, 2008. Please keep quotations to a minimum.

Full post as published by Philadelphia Bar Association on February 25, 2008 (boomark / email).