A legal case that shifted my perspective is Murthy v. Missouri (2024), which addressed government communication with social media companies about misinformation. While the case touched on free speech, it was not overtly political in a partisan sense. What changed for me after learning about this case was how complicated the relationship is between freedom of expression, public safety, and the digital platforms where we now communicate and get our information. The case began when a group of plaintiffs, including two states and several individuals, alleged that federal government officials had improperly pressured social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and YouTube to remove or suppress certain content. The content in question included misinformation about COVID-19, vaccines, and the 2020 election. The plaintiffs claimed that this amounted to government censorship, in violation of the First Amendment, even though the platforms themselves made the final decisions on content moderation. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in June 2024 that the plaintiffs lacked standing. While this meant the Court did not fully decide the constitutional question of when government interaction with tech platforms crosses into unconstitutional censorship. Still, the case brought important and timely issues to the surface. Before this case, I assumed that free speech was mostly about what the government could or could not do directly, like banning books or arresting protesters. But Murthy v. Missouri made me rethink what “government action” looks like in a digital age. Is a behind-the-scenes email from a White House official suggesting that a tweet be flagged the same as a legal order to remove it? Does a pattern of pressure, even without formal demands, change the free speech landscape? What really shifted my perspective was seeing how the law is still trying to catch up with technology. The government clearly has an interest in combating dangerous misinformation especially during public health emergencies. But social media is a messy space where misinformation, satire, dissent, and harmful conspiracy theories can all blur together. Striking the right balance between fighting harm and protecting expression is incredibly complex, and the legal system does not always have clear answers. I also started thinking more critically about the power of private companies. Social media platforms are not bound by the First Amendment like the government is, but they have immense control over public discourse. When they work with government officials even informally it raises real concerns about transparency and influence. Yet if they do not work with governments, they risk enabling the spread of harmful content. This case exposed just how difficult that balance is. In the end, Murthy v. Missouri did not provide a dramatic constitutional ruling—but it reshaped how I view free speech. It taught me that free expression today is not just about what the government says or does; it is about how institutions, public and private, interact in subtle, often hidden ways. It reminded me that protecting speech means being vigilant not just about censorship, but also about the behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence what we see, hear, and believe online.

I aspire to ultimately become a federal or state level judge. I worked in law enforcement right out of high school and have continued my public service into the military. I plan to continue my education by attending law school in the next few years. After law school I plan on working for a county or state government, but would prefer to be a county prosecutor. Getting experience is a huge part of eventually attained a judicial seat, and practicing criminal law I think would be excellent experience. Becoming a judge has always been a distant dream. I never thought to truly pursue it or if it was actually obtainable. However, I have decided nothing is out of reach and have set out to work hard to achieve it. I think that I have a lot to offer my community and the people that would ultimately come before the court. I have a great understanding of the hardships people face and the struggles that they must overcome. I also aspire to give back to my community while I practice law by volunteering at family law clinics. This is where underserved community members may go for free or discounted legal services. I have experiences family courts and know how hard that can be on people and hope that I can help a mother or child get in a better situation. Further, I would like to help mentor new students especially those that wish to enter public service. Serving one's community I think is one of the nobliest causes no matter what you are able to give. It does not pay the best but at the end of the day money does not buy happiness. I have three children and a wonderful wife who look to me as a sole provider. Getting scholarships now and in the future is key to my academic success. While the military affords me many benefits it does not cover everything. Especially as a member of the lower enlisted finances are stretched here on Oahu where I am stationed. This scholarship would greatly help take finances off of my mind. Taking out as few loans as possible so that I can one day afford a house, and not have a large payment as a new attorney is always on my mind. I hope that my children will take from me that no matter how long it takes to find your dream it is never too late.

I aspire to ultimately become a federal or state level judge. I worked in law enforcement right out of high school and have continued my public service into the military. I plan to continue my education by attending law school in the next few years. After law school I plan on working for a county or state government, but would prefer to be a county prosecutor. Getting experience is a huge part of eventually attained a judicial seat, and practicing criminal law I think would be excellent experience. Becoming a judge has always been a distant dream. I never thought to truly pursue it or if it was actually obtainable. However, I have decided nothing is out of reach and have set out to work hard to achieve it. I think that I have a lot to offer my community and the people that would ultimately come before the court. I have a great understanding of the hardships people face and the struggles that they must overcome. I also aspire to give back to my community while I practice law by volunteering at family law clinics. This is where underserved community members may go for free or discounted legal services. I have experiences family courts and know how hard that can be on people and hope that I can help a mother or child get in a better situation. Further, I would like to help mentor new students especially those that wish to enter public service. Serving one's community I think is one of the nobliest causes no matter what you are able to give. It does not pay the best but at the end of the day money does not buy happiness. I have three children and a wonderful wife who look to me as a sole provider. Getting scholarships now and in the future is key to my academic success. While the military affords me many benefits it does not cover everything. Especially as a member of the lower enlisted finances are stretched here on Oahu where I am stationed. This scholarship would greatly help take finances off of my mind. Taking out as few loans as possible so that I can one day afford a house, and not have a large payment as a new attorney is always on my mind. I hope that my children will take from me that no matter how long it takes to find your dream it is never too late.