NAMC is excited to launch our 2026 Legal Essay Contest! This competition gives writers a chance to study a case that will appear in the official 2026–27 NAMC case record. While submitting an essay is not required for the Brief Writing Competition, the prompt will allow you to sharpen your analysis skills and explore key legal issues in depth. Official registration will be available on Shopify soon. The current deadline to submit an essay is November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. The prompt is as follows:

To what extent do you agree with the Court’s ruling in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru? Does the ruling constitute a departure from Supreme Court precedent? Why or why not? Support your position with a well-reasoned argument grounded in the case record and applicable precedent; outside research is permitted but not necessary. Present a unique argument that extends beyond what is stated in the opinions. Please limit your essay to 650 words.