Ministry of Justice Launches Excellence in Legal Research Contest

The Ministry of
Justice launched the second Excellence
in Legal Research Contest on 21 March
2012 at BZU. The Contest is for students enrolled in any law program or faculty
at a Palestinian university. The Launch was attended by the Minister of Justice,
Dr. Ali Khashan; BZU President, Dr. Khalil Hindi; Director of the Information
Center at the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Majid Aruri; Dean of the Faculty of Law
and Public Administration, Dr. Saleh Abdel Jawad; and a number of faculty
members and students.

Dr. Khashan noted that
this contest aims to promote a culture of legal research in Palestinian
universities through creative legal research that promotes an understanding of
human rights and rule of law in Palestinian society.

Dr. Hindi commended
the role played by the Faculty of Law and Public Administration at BZU, as well
as the Ministry of Justice, in promoting values ​​of justice
and equality before the law and in ensuring the separation of powers.

Dr. Abdel Jawad noted
that the Faculty of Law and Public Administration has achieved a number of
awards. including one from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
 regarding the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights in 2009, as well as one from the cultural competition organized by
the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy "SHAMS," and supported by
the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity "AMAN" in 2011.

All research studies, Aruri reported, will be evaluated
by a specialized academic assessment committee, comprising a number of deans of
law schools as well as legal scholars. The committee will select the five top studies, and the winners will
be awarded cash prizes: $2,000 for first place, and $1,000 for second and third
place. Moreover, $500 will be awarded to fourth and fifth places. The Ministry then
has the right to publish the research studies.

Contestants must have
completed the research project as part of an academic course during the year
2012. Eligible themes include human rights, rule of law, criminal justice,
international humanitarian law, gender, and juvenile justice. A copy of the
research should be sent to the Information Center at the Ministry of Justice by
the deadline for submission on 30 June 2012.