How to Apply 2011

Download the application packet [ Click Here ]

The application packet includes:

• General information about the Supreme Court and the duties of justices
• A basic application form
• One essay question (also described below)
• Requirements for two letters of recommendation from faculty members (also described below)

Deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011

Essay Question

Legislators in several states are proposing to deny birth certificates to children born in the United States whose parents are illegal immigrants, relying on the phrase “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as the underpinning. Would this be constitutional under the U.S. Constitution?

You will be judged on your research, analysis and writing, not on your conclusion. (Suggested maximum length: 500 words)

Letters of Recommendation

Please submit letters of recommendation from at least two faculty members in a relevant discipline. Each faculty member should place his/her letter in an envelope, seal it and sign the flap. The professor may return the envelope to you to include with your application package or may mail it directly to TISL (address below).

Each letter should verify that the applicant’s GPA is 3.0 or greater.

Letters of recommendation should also include the faculty member’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability, ability to work with others, communication skills and critical-thinking skills.

Where to Submit

Put your completed application form, your answers to the essay question and the sealed letters of recommendation in one large envelope and send to:

TISC Nominating Commission
Post Office Box 23213
Nashville 37202

Contacts

FAQs

Who can apply?

Any Tennessee college student with a 3.0 GPA or greater majoring in political science, government, pre-law, philosophy, history or a similar discipline. Students enrolled in law school are excluded.

What if my college didn't attend TISL last year?

That's OK, but we certainly hope your college will send a delegation to this year's General Assembly.

Is it OK for candidates to contact members of the Nominating Commission directly?

You may only contact the Nominating Commission by sending email to NominatingCommission<at>TISCourt.org.

What expenses will justices incur?

TISL will pay for each justice's lodging at the TISL General Assembly in November and for mileage to/from the General Assembly under TISL's regular reimbursement policy.

Members of the Court are exempt from TISL fees.

Justices will be responsible for their own meals, parking and incidental expenses, although TISL provides some meals to everyone at the General Assembly.

How will it affect my college's delegation if I'm a justice?

Your service as a justice doesn't affect your college's delegation to the TISL General Assembly.

Justices are members of the Tennessee Intercollegiate Supreme Court sponsored by TISL, not members of a particular college delegation.

Justices don't pay delegate fees, and their major expenses are paid by TISL.