THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997              TAG: 9701300044
SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E13  EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
                                            LENGTH:   23 lines

STATE BAR OFFERS PRIZES IN ESSAY CONTEST

THE VIRGINIA State Bar and its Litigation Section are sponsoring the Law in Society Award Competition for Virginia high school students. This essay competition tests participants' understanding of the role and value of our legal system in society. This year's topic deals with the issue of parental responsibility.

The top 10 entries will be awarded the following prizes:

First place, $1000 U.S. savings bond

Second place, $750 U.S. savings bond

Seven honorable mentions, $100 savings bond

All winners will also receive a Law in Society plaque and a dictionary and thesaurus.

Students 19 and under are eligible. Essays must not exceed 1,500 words and must be received by March 7. For information, contact your school's guidance counselor.