Write for Justice Contest

Edition 2027

The Barreau de Montréal is holding it’s 40th annual competition of composition on a legal theme, aimed at students of primary and secondary levels on the island of Montreal.

The theme selected for this edition is the following:

“In Quebec, education is both a fundamental right and a collective responsibility enshrined in law.

Every child is entitled to accessible, high-quality education free from discrimination. Through learning, each individual develops their intellectual, social, and professional potential, evolves with ambition, and participates actively in society.

With this in mind, describe to us your dream school.”

PRIZES : The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2027 at the Montreal Courthouse as part of the Barreau de Montréal’s Aim for Justice Events. The winners will read their essays to the audience and will receive an amount $200 from the Barreau de Montréal as well as a copy of Antidote+ Family, writing assistance software created by Druide informatique. They will also be invited for a guided tour of the Courthouse and for a meeting with a judge.

Kindly note that the deadline to submit the essays is Monday February 15, 2027

Selection criteria

The jury will evaluate the essays received according to the following criteria:
• Compliance with the theme and these rules;
• Integration of legal aspects (reference to a right or law, the legal system, etc.);
• Originality of content;
• Quality of the writing (spelling, vocabulary and grammar);
• Structure and coherence of the essay;
• Correct number of words;
• Personal analysis.

How to participate

The essays, whether handwritten or typed, together with the form below, must be received by the Barreau de Montréal no later than February 15, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

• By e-mail: contest@barreaudemontreal.qc.ca
• By mail: 460 Saint-Gabriel Street, 2nd floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2Z9

Participants’ essays must be sent in the following order for each student:
• Duly completed registration form (including the undertaking duly signed by the student);
• Consent of parent or tutor for essays written by students under 14 years of age;
• Participant’s essay.

The Barreau de Montréal reserves the right to exclude any essay that does not meet the following criteria:
• More words than the number allowed;
• Incomplete registration form;
• Incomplete parental consent;
• Any form of plagiarism;
• Any essay written in whole or in part using artificial intelligence (see rules).