We are thrilled to announce the opening of the 2026 NULJ High School Essay Contest!

We welcome submissions from high school students across the world interested in engaging with legal concepts and practicing their analytical writing. Submissions are due on April 15th, 2026 and must not exceed 1,000 words.

About the Topic: 

As the 2026 midterm general election approaches in an increasingly digital age, misinformation poses growing risks to our society – particularly as emerging forms of political advertising harness advances in artificial intelligence and social media. For this year's competition, the NULJ invites contestants to consider whether deliberate misinformation should be protected under the First Amendment. We encourage all submissions to draw on relevant case law, legal scholarship, contemporary cultural examples, and other scholarly sources to support their analysis.

We will be awarding 1st through 3rd place prizes, as well as honorable mentions, and featuring the names and pieces of all winners on our website.

How to Enter:

• Essays must (1) include a title, (2) be submitted as a Word document, (3) must not exceed 1,000 words, and (3) use Chicago style citations.

• Please fill out the form below before April 15th, 2026 at 11:59PM CT.