2024-2025 Bernard Chernos Contest

Each year, the CCLET presents a nation-wide high school contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos. Student entries address one of the fundamental freedoms questions posed by us each year (often issues the CCLA itself is working on), examining different civil liberties implications, and applying a ‘reasonableness’ analysis. Entries can be submitted either as essays or as videos (we recommend a video rant in the style of Rick Mercer, one of Canada’s most famous political humorists, but welcome student creativity in video entries) for a chance to win cash prizes!

The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of high school courses.

Contest finalists are selected and judged by volunteers with scholarly and practical expertise in law, education, civil liberties and human rights from across the country.

NEW FOR 2024-2025!  There will be two sets of winners; essay and video entries will be judged separately.

1st place essay and video: $750

2nd place essay and video: $500

3rd place essay and video: $250