International Humanitarian Law Student Writing Competition
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are there specific eligibility requirements for applicants from foreign law schools?

    No. All applicants must fill out the Confirmation of Enrollment form, which documents that they are currently enrolled in an educational program that will provide a law degree.

  2. Is there a word limit for submissions?

    No. However, papers may not exceed 25 pages, double-spaced, in size 12 Times New Roman font with one-inch (2.5.cm) margins. Footnotes must be single-spaced, in size 10 Times New Roman font.

  3. What are the citation rules?

    Sources must be cited according to The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (basic rules available at http://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/).

  4. Can I submit more than one paper?

    No. Only one paper may be submitted per applicant. If any applicant submits more than one paper, none of the submissions will be considered.

  5. I will graduate in December 2012. Am I still eligible?

    No. Only applicants who are currently enrolled in a law degree program as of the submission deadline will be eligible.

  6. Do paper topics need to be approved in advance?

    No. Applicants may write on any topic within the field of international humanitarian law. For guidance as to which topics qualify as international humanitarian law, please visit the website of the International Committee of the Red Cross, http://www.icrc.org/eng/.

  7. Do I have to have any background in IHL courses or study to apply?

    No, although it may be helpful to consult a professor or practitioner in the field of IHL to ensure that your topic falls within IHL.

  8. I am registered in two programs, a law degree program and a Ph.D. program. Am I eligible?

    As long as you are still registered in the law degree portion of your program as of the submission deadline.

  9. I am currently an MS student at a law school in the process of applying to a JD-LL.M. program. Am I eligible?

    No. You must be currently enrolled in the program as of the submission deadline.

  10. I have finished my courses and taken all my exams, but the process for graduating and obtaining my diploma takes several months. Am I eligible if I won���t receive my diploma until after the submission deadline?

    If your school considers you to be enrolled as of the submission deadline and will certify the Confirmation of Enrollment form, then you are eligible.

More Information

Teaching IHL in US Law Schools Report

Teaching IHL Workshop

IHL Student Writing Competition