The Stanford Law & Policy Review (SLPR) is excited to announce its 2026-27 Undergraduate Essay Contest. The first- and second-place pieces will be published on SLPR’s website. Submissions will be accepted until January 4, 2027.

At SLPR, we believe the best ideas are born from diverse perspectives. All currently enrolled undergraduate students at any university are invited to submit research papers addressing the intersection of our legal system with local, state, or federal policy. Papers may have been completed for coursework, independent study, or written specifically for SLPR. We encourage students from all disciplines, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences to submit their work.

Prompts

Papers must discuss at least three cases and/or law review articles and address just one of the following:

1. Identify an emerging social issue not yet adequately addressed by law. Propose how policy should evolve to meet it.
2. Compare how two jurisdictions (states, districts, circuits) have approached a policy problem of your choosing. Argue which approach is more effective, and whether it could be adopted elsewhere.
3. Select a policy area where U.S. law diverges significantly from international norms. Argue whether the U.S. should converge toward that norm or maintain its distinct approach.

Formatting & Rules

• 2,500-5,000 words (excluding footnotes), 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced
• Chicago-style (Notes and Bibliography) citations
• One submission per applicant
• Work must be entirely your own and original; suspected use of AI or plagiarism is automatically disqualifying

How to Submit

Email a Word document to slpr-notes@stanford.edu with the subject line “Last Name_First Name 2026-27 Contest” before 11:59 PM PST on January 4, 2027. In the body of your email, include your full name, age, university, school year, and major or program of study. By submitting, authors commit to working with SLPR’s staff in January and February 2027 to edit and prepare the paper for publication.

This contest is open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We strongly encourage submissions from individuals who identify with historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.

Questions? Email slpr-notes@stanford.edu.