In October 2020, DSC launched an essay writing competition aimed at people aged 16-18 and since its launch we have received outstanding submissions, diversity of entrant and thought. Submissions from the previous years are available below.
2021-2022 Submissions
This year's essay topic was climate change and social justice and the question was as follows:
‘International law recognises that global warming will most affect those least responsible for it. Individually, nationally and globally how can global warming be effectively tackled in a way that recognises this injustice?’
Judges: David Lammy MP, Krishnendu Mukherjee, Jennifer Robinson, Nani Jansen Reventlow, I. Stephanie Boyce, Sue Willman, and Somini Sengupta. Click here to read why our judges are in support of the essay competition.
1. Hannah's submission is available here.
1. Nuha's submission is available here.
2. Sai's submission is available here.
The photo album from the prize giving ceremony can be accessed here.

Pictured from left to right: Maya Sikand QC, Nuha Ahmed, Hannah Malik, Sai Sarvagna Thota, Edward Fitzgerald QC
Picture credit: Jennifer Moyes
2020-2021 Submissions
The competition required applicants to share an essay up to 1,500 words on the following question:
How do people’s experiences of authority differ, depending on their identity or their socio-economic or racial background? Should the law, institutions or people in positions of authority or power, change in order to address these differences and, if so, how?
Judges: David Lammy MP, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Wayne Jordash QC, Geoffrey Robertson QC, Rt Hon Lord Stephen Irwin, and Nani Jansen Reventlow.
1. Toyin wrote about racism in the Criminal Justice System. Read her full submission here.
2. Luna wrote about race focussed on authoritarianism and populism. Read her full submission here.
2. Prakruti wrote about education and the prison system. Read her full submission here.
