Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws Scholarship

* This Scholarship Award has closed. Visit our Ward & Ward Legal Advocacy Scholarship.

Paternalism or Libertarianism

As motorcycle accident lawyers, we at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers are proud to make this scholarship available to students interested in pursuing a legal career.

Background

In 1966, the United States federal government offered highway construction funds to states that passed universal motorcycle helmet laws, as any motorcycle accident lawyer can explain. Forty-seven states and Washington D.C. complied but when penalties were lifted in the mid-seventies, nearly half of the states repealed or modified their laws. Today several states, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no laws governing the use of helmets; 28 states have helmet laws with age and/or health insurance contingencies; 19 states and Washington D.C. require helmets be worn by all operators and riders. See current helmet laws listed by state.

American culture often rejects governmental paternalistic values [(def.) government interference that overrides the liberties of individuals for their own good], claiming their natural rights and freedoms in favor of libertarian principles [(def.) less government involvement and more personal choice].

Read this article from the American Journal of Public Health 2007 February; 97(2): 208–217, for a history of universal helmet laws.

Prompt

In 750+ words, use statistical data and persuasion to make the paternalistic argument in favor of the enactment of universal helmet laws―or citing the constitution and using the art of persuasion, make the libertarian argument against universally mandated helmet legislation. Essays will be judged―not on your stance―but upon the use of a factual and persuasive argument to defend your position.

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to any student* who is currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program in the United States. This includes accredited community college students as well as high school seniors and students who possess a GED who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited program.
All eligible candidates must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above.
*Previous winners of a scholarship award funded by Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, are not eligible candidates for this award.

Award Announcement: December 2021

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Submission Deadline: November 15, 2021

All application materials must be submitted by this date.

Application Instructions

Respond to the Prompt in a typed essay of 750 words.
Email the following documents to CPW@WardLawFirm.com:
Completed, signed and dated Scholarship Gift/Award Application
Updated resume
Current unofficial transcript
750-word essay

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