Teenagers’ creative works about justice (and injustice) have the power to impact local, national and global policy.
Write the World and The Supreme Court Historical Society proudly announce a global online writing competition for young writers (ages 13 to 19) on the theme "Justice." The competition, to run from Monday, October 5, 2026 to Monday, October 26, 2026, invites teens around the world to confront one of humanity’s most critical, enduring, and timely topics through the power of creative writing.
U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts observed that, "Justice is not inevitable." This competition prompts teenagers to examine justice - and injustice - at different levels: from local communities of family, faith, and school to national and international norms and laws. The competition welcomes creative writing entries (including poetry, fiction, song, playwriting, and other creative forms) from 50 to 1,000 words. The Guest Judge is Justice Gerard Hogan of the High Court of Ireland, who will select winning and runner-up pieces as well as the best peer review. Authors of these pieces will receive cash prizes and the pieces will be published in periodicals of the Supreme Court Historical Society and Write the World. The competition is a meaningful opportunity for young writers to share their voices with those shaping law and public policy at national and global scales. Winners will be announced on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Participation is free and open to members of the Write the World community. Membership is also free to all teenagers. To support excellence in writing and revision, the first 50 students to submit will receive editorial reviews from professional educators, lawyers, and legal scholars.
Educators and parents in the United States and around the world are encouraged to share this opportunity with their students. The competition supports classroom goals in civics, history, English language arts, critical thinking, and writing, while offering a unique way to connect students to a global community of peers. Write the World offers free access to curricular materials for middle and high school teachers that culminate in a piece ready for submission to the competition, including classroom activities and a full, Common Core Standards-Aligned lesson plan. To access these curricula, please visit: Teaching Writing Resources for High School and Middle School. For teacher- and student-facing resources, visit: Write the World's Blog.
"This competition invites young people around the world to ask a question that has animated philosophers, lawmakers, and ordinary citizens for centuries: What does justice mean — and what does it require of us?" said David Weinstein, Founder & CEO of Write the World. "We're proud to partner with The Supreme Court Historical Society to give young writers a platform to engage with this vital theme. At this moment, these are the voices our world needs to hear."
Martha Meehan-Cohen, Chief Operating Officer of the Supreme Court Historical Society, said, “Our partnership with Write the World opens a new avenue for students to think about the role of the courts and the concept of justice both around the world and in their countries. Together we are seeing that the leaders of tomorrow are critical thinkers with a passion for rights and responsibilities.”
About Write the World
Write the World, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded at Harvard University and dedicated to improving the writing and critical thinking skills essential for students to achieve success in school, career, and life. The organization offers free writing programs in a vibrant 24/7 community that’s served over 120,000 students and educators in over 125 countries. Beyond monthly writing competitions, the organization also offers college essay services, summer writing workshops, and educator resources.
Learn more at: writetheworld.org
About The Supreme Court Historical Society
The Supreme Court Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization
dedicated to preserving and collecting the history of the United States Supreme Court, increasing public awareness of the Court's contribution to the constitutional heritage of the United States, and acquiring knowledge covering the history of the entire Judicial Branch. The Society conducts educational programs for students and teachers, and programs of interest to legal practitioners, scholars, historians, and the general public.
Learn more at: www.supremecourthistory.org
Media Contact
For more information, or to arrange interviews with organizers or student participants, contact:
David Weinstein
Founder & CEO
Write the World, Inc.
Email: david@writetheworld.org
Phone: +1 617 947-0890
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