NRA Offers Second Annual Writing Competition For Law Students

by
posted on February 19, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Nra Civil Rights Defense Fund Logo

Following its inaugural Second Amendment Research and Writing Competition, the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund (NRA-CRDF) has announced an all-new competition for law students, complete with even larger prizes for winning submissions.

In its second annual appearance, the competition directs budding legal minds to take a new look at New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that rejected the Intermediate Scrutiny Test then applied by many courts. Instead, the Court established the precedent of applying a new test for analyzing Second Amendment cases based on history, text and tradition. Given this decision, NRA-CRDF is soliciting articles that answer the following question: In light of the Bruen decision, does the prohibition found in 18 U.S.C. '922(g)(5) violate the Second Amendment? The pertinent part of the United States code states that:

“it shall be unlawful for any person ...”

          (5)     who, being an alien—

                    (A)     is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or

(B)     except as provided in subsection (y)(2), has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa ...;

to ... possess ... any firearm or ammunition.”

To submit an article, authors must currently be enrolled in an ABA Accredited law school. Submissions must be "unique and original" and must be suitable for publication in a scholarly journal. The articles cannot exceed 12,000 words, including both text and notes. Citations shall conform to The Blue Book: A Uniform System of Citation. Submissions must be typed double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point typeface, including notes. Authors may choose to use footnotes or endnotes.

Along with the possibility of being published, the following cash prizes are also being awarded: $10,000 for first place, $7,000 for second place and $3,000 for third place. Completed submissions must include a cover page and be formatted as a PDF and are due to NRA-CRDF on or before March 1, 2025. Entry packets and further instructions can be obtained by emailing: [email protected] or visiting the NRA-CRDF website here.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.