Liberty and Justice for All – Undergraduate Scholarship Contest 

A criminal record is life-altering. Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience. As a result, when a person is charged with a crime, they often forget that they are entitled to many rights under the United States Constitution, regardless of the charges they face. First and foremost, everyone has the right to an attorney. In any type of case, the purpose of an attorney is to advocate for and protect their client’s rights.

In a criminal case, those rights include the right to: 

  • Force the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, 
  • Present a defense, 
  • Cross-examine witnesses testifying for the prosecution, and 
  • Summon witnesses of their own, and 
  • Testify in their own defense, or remain silent without that silence being used against them. No person ever has to answer questions that may incriminate them. Unfortunately, many people forget that they have these rights when they are in the midst of the legal system. This is why having competent, experienced attorneys representing people charged with crimes is so important. Defense attorneys protect people’s rights from violation by law enforcement and overreach by other governmental forces. 

To get more people thinking and talking about the rights we are all guaranteed and the criminal defense attorney’s role in protecting those rights for all of us, Orlando Defense is offering a scholarship to students who submit an essay on the following topic: 

  • Describe why and how criminal defense attorneys play an important role for all citizens in our society, regardless of whether they have been accused of a crime.

Share with us the reasons why you believe criminal defense attorneys play an important role in protecting all citizens against government intrusion — regardless of whether they have been charged with a crime — and you will have a chance to earn a $1,000 scholarship. 

Who Can Enter the Scholarship Contest? 

Students enrolled or accepted into an undergraduate program are eligible for the Liberty and Justice for All Scholarship.

When submitting your entrance, you must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance to a U.S. college or university for the 2022-23 school year. Eligible students are high school seniors who are accepted to a collegiate program or students currently enrolled in a college or university. 

What Are the Essay Requirements? 

Your essay must address the following topic: 

  • Describe why and how criminal defense attorneys play an important role for all citizens in our society, regardless of whether they have been accused of a crime. 

The essay should be between 300 and 500 words, and it should be typed. We are interested in hearing your own thoughts and ideas about these real issues that affect people every day. Any plagiarized essays will be disqualified from the scholarship contest. 

What Is the Timeline? 

All submissions are due on July 16, 2022.

We will review each response and announce the winning essay by July 31, 2022.

How Do I Submit My Application? 

When you are ready to submit your essay and proof of enrollment, fill out the following form. Please be sure to list accurate contact information, so we can contact you if you are selected as the scholarship winner.