Brief Information
The Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2026 is a prestigious competition organised by the Council of Europe’s CEPEJ and the Faculty of Law of Strasbourg. This exceptional opportunity invites Master’s students to analyse an award-winning judicial innovation from the Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2025 and propose its potential application in another legal context or country.
Key Dates & Details
Official Website: https://www.coe.int
Application Deadline: 9 January 2026 (included)
Eligible Applicants: Master’s students in Law from Council of Europe member states or CEPEJ observer countries
Team Composition: Up to 5 students + 1 faculty advisor
Competition Cycle: Every 2 years
Languages: English or French
Table of Contents
Overview
The Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2026 aims to promote innovation in judicial systems across Europe by engaging the next generation of legal professionals. Created as an academic complement to the international Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, this competition allows Master’s students to explore award-winning judicial practices and evaluate their transferability across different legal systems.
Organised jointly by CEPEJ (European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice) and the Faculty of Law of the University of Strasbourg, the prize encourages academic excellence, critical thinking, and practical analysis of judicial innovation.
Students will work in teams to study one of the winning projects of the 2025 Crystal Scales of Justice Prize. Their task includes conducting a legal analysis, assessing why the project was recognised for excellence, and exploring how it can be implemented in a different European or international context.
This competition not only enriches legal knowledge but also offers students the opportunity to participate in Council of Europe activities, exchange ideas with legal professionals, and contribute to the development of quality justice across Europe.
The Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young jurists to engage with real-world justice reforms and develop practical research skills while contributing to improving judicial systems across the continent.
Eligibility
To participate in the Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2026, applicants must:
- Be Master’s-level law students enrolled during the current academic year
- Belong to a Faculty of Law of a Council of Europe member state or a CEPEJ observer country
- Form a team with up to 5 students and one academic advisor (teacher, researcher, or PhD candidate)
- Submit a completed application file in English or French
- Ensure that only one team per faculty participates
- Prepare both a written submission and oral presentation
Competition Structure
Project Allocation
Teams will be assigned, by random draw, one of the winning projects of the 2025 Crystal Scales of Justice competition.
Written Submission Requirements
Teams must prepare a file consisting of:
- Legal Analysis of the awarded project (max 10 pages)
- Research Component on potential implementation in other countries or contexts (max 10 pages)
- Two-page summary using the template provided in Annex II
- Explanation of methodology and workflow
All written materials must be submitted by 2 April 2026 to the CEPEJ Secretariat.
Oral Defence
Pre-selected teams will present their analysis before the jury during the final stage of the competition.
Jury Process
The jury, composed of six members (three from CEPEJ, three from Strasbourg Law Faculty), evaluates:
- Quality of legal reasoning
- Depth of research
- Relevance and feasibility of implementation
- Alignment with Council of Europe values
- Clarity, originality, and professionalism
Application Details
How to Apply
Applications must be sent electronically by 9 January 2026 to:
📧 [email protected]
Application File Must Include:
- Completed official application form (Appendix I)
- Team composition and academic details
- Advisor’s professional status
- Language preference (English or French)
Key Documents & Rules
Prize & Visibility
The winning team will:
- Receive the Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize
- Be invited (2 representatives sponsored) to the CEPEJ plenary session in June
- Meet with the creators of the project they analysed
- Gain visibility through Council of Europe communication channels
- Potentially receive a special mention, awarded at the jury’s discretion
This recognition enhances academic profiles and opens doors to European policy networks.
Who can participate?
Master’s law students from CEPEJ member or observer countries, forming one team per faculty.
What is the main task?
To analyse a 2025 award-winning judicial innovation and evaluate its potential implementation elsewhere
What languages are accepted?
English or French for both written and oral components.
When is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 9 January 2026.
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