Right to Privacy Scholarship

The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert is steadfastly committed to giving back to the community. We continue to stand by this commitment through different artistic, civic, academic, and philanthropic causes.

One of the fundamental ways we give back is by helping young people achieve their full academic potential so they can then have a positive impact within their community and those around them. To promote this idea we have created the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship.

Right to Privacy
Today, those who go through the criminal justice system have very little privacy. Personal information that is easily accessible, like mug shots, can often harm an individual’s opportunity to find a job, decent housing, or remain involved in the community after their release.

Should we limit some of the information that is publicly available like mug shots? Should there be a difference between “celebrity” arrests and arrests of “ordinary” citizens in terms of the right to privacy?

The Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship will award $1,000 to the candidate who can best discuss whether or not those who have been arrested have a greater right to privacy versus the public’s right to know and view all of details surrounding their arrest. More specifically, does mug shot publication and general access to the public outweigh any potential violations of invasion of privacy interests of individuals who have been arrested?

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
You must be enrolled in at a duly accredited institution, including junior college, community college, undergraduate program, or graduate program anywhere in the United States
You must have solid academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA or above
High school graduates or GED holders about to start their college career are eligible to apply

Application Requirements
In order to submit an application for the scholarship, interested candidates should provide the following:
Pertinent contact information, updated resume, and current status as a student.
A 750-word original essay which describes what rights the public should have to view information, specifically mugshots, on defendants and what protections should defendants have so their information is not necessarily public. The student must then describe any solutions to problems identified in the essay.
An up-to-date transcript from the applicant’s current institution. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. (NOTE: High school graduates, GED holders, and first-year students are allowed to submit an unofficial transcript from their most recent institution attended along with relevant documentation from their current school.)

Application Information
In order to be considered for this year’s scholarship, please send all necessary documentation (essay, transcripts, and resume) via email to info@leifertlaw.com by the official program deadline of August 31, 2019.

Emails applying for the scholarship are required to have the following as their subject line:
NAME OF APPLICANT – LEIFERT & LEIFERT RIGHT TO PRIVACY SCHOLARSHIP.
The applicant’s personal essay, transcripts, and resume should also be attached to their email as distinct and separate attachments.