Douglas County high school seniors can enter to win scholarships in the first essay contest sponsored by the county’s law library and bar association.

The topic for 2008 is: “The Importance of an Independent Judiciary.” First place will earn a $1,100 scholarship; second place, $850; third place, $500.

The panel of judges will be Gail B. Agrawal, dean of the Kansas University law school; Douglas Hamilton, clerk of Douglas County District Court; and attorneys Kenzie Singleton and David J. Brown.

The submission deadline is April 7, and the essay must be e-mailed as a Microsoft Word document to division4@douglas-county.com. For a list of rules, visit www.douglascolawlibrary.org or visit the law library. For more information, contact District Judge Michael J. Malone at (785) 832-5124 or division4@douglas-county.com.