New Topics, Extended Deadlines, and Key Changes from 2024
1. John Locke Essay Competition Law Questions 2025
There are a total of 3 prompts for the Law category, and students have to choose one prompt to answer.
Q1. What injury should one person be permitted to inflict on another in the defence of private property?
Q2. “Use every man after his desert, and who should ’scape whipping?” Should the law treat offenders better than they deserve?
Q3. Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?
2. How Will the Essays Be Judged?
Knowledge and Understanding
Students must demonstrate a deep knowledge of their chosen topic, engaging with relevant theories, historical context, and contemporary discussions. A strong essay will show familiarity with key ideas and an ability to apply them thoughtfully.
Competent Use of Evidence
Argumentation must be supported by clear and credible evidence. Judges will look for well-integrated sources, whether philosophical texts, historical examples, or empirical data, to substantiate claims rather than rely on personal opinions or unsubstantiated assertions.
Quality of Argumentation
The best essays present a coherent, logically structured argument that is persuasive and compelling. They must directly engage with the question and avoid tangents, ensuring each point contributes meaningfully to the thesis.
Engagement with Counterarguments
One of the most important aspects of a successful essay is the ability to acknowledge and refute counterarguments. Judges favour essays that present strong arguments and anticipate opposing viewpoints, addressing them fairly and effectively dismantling them with well-reasoned rebuttals. As the competition guidelines state, “The very best essays are likely to be those which would be capable of changing somebody’s mind.”
Originality, Structure, Writing Style, and Persuasive Force
Beyond strong argumentation, essays must be original and engaging. They should have a clear structure that guides the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Writing should be precise and persuasive, with a compelling voice that makes complex ideas accessible and impactful.
Precision and Follow the Word Count Limit
The word count limit is 2,000 words (excluding diagrams, tables, endnotes, bibliography, and the authorship declaration). Given this restriction, essays must be tightly constructed, directly addressing the question without unnecessary elaboration. The strongest essays are clear, concise, and laser-focused on the prompt, ensuring every word contributes to the argument.
3. Research Resources for the John Locke Institute Essay Contest
For many students, the topics covered in the John Locke Institute Essay Contest are beyond the scope of their regular coursework, particularly when dealing with legal and philosophical issues. To build a strong and well-supported argument, students should consult a variety of secondary and primary sources.
News and General Periodicals (Newspapers, Magazines)
Students new to these topics should begin by exploring news and general periodicals to gain a foundational understanding. Newspapers and magazines offer accessible overviews of current events, legal debates, and philosophical discussions. Some useful sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, The Economist, and The Wall Street Journals. These help students grasp key concepts and contemporary discussions before diving into more advanced academic and legal research.
Academic and Legal Resources
Once students have a solid foundation, they should turn to more in-depth scholarly and legal sources:
- Legal Information Institute (LII) – Hosted by Cornell Law School, LII provides free access to legal materials, including the U.S. Code, Supreme Court opinions, and the Code of Federal Regulations. (https://www.law.cornell.edu)
- Google Scholar – Offers access to legal periodicals and case law, though some pages may be missing. It’s a useful starting point to identify key papers that can be found elsewhere. (https://scholar.google.com)
- Library Databases – Many schools and local libraries provide access to high-quality research platforms, such as HeinOnline (law journals and books), JStor (law journals), Westlaw, and other sources behind a paywall.
- OAPEN (Open Access Library) – A free online academic resource with various materials. For example, students researching Q3 (Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?) might find The Hidden Histories of War Crimes Trials a useful starting point.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Website – For students writing about war crimes, the ICC provides essential legal documents, case histories, and official proceedings. (https://www.icc-cpi.int)
Question-Specific Resources
Q1. What injury should one person be permitted to inflict on another in the defence of private property?
This question invites students to explore the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the use of force in protecting private property. When approaching this first question, students must delve into the following key legal concepts: federal vs state laws, deadly force, and the use of force. Laws vary by jurisdiction, particularly between federal and state law in the United States and in cases of property protection rather than protection of oneself.
This question can be overwhelming for someone without prior experience in law. However, we can take a systematic approach to understanding the issue through various ways:
Start with Legal Encyclopaedias and Treatises: A legal treatise is a book containing all the laws relating to a particular area. For this topic, you should consult criminal law.
Law Review Articles: These are scholarly articles that offer argumentative perspectives, which can help students see how legal arguments are structured and supported with evidence.
Choose a Jurisdiction: Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. Students should specify whether they are discussing a particular U.S. state, federal law, or international law.
Develop a Position and Maintain a Research Log: Given the amount of information students will be working with, it’s crucial they keep a research log that includes sources, key arguments, supporting evidence, and a summary of key takeaways.
Before Writing the Essay, Don’t Forget to Outline: Although many students want to skip this step, a structured outline prevents off-topic discussion and ensures the essay remains concise and logically sound.
Q2. “Use every man after his desert, and who should ’scape whipping?” Should the law treat offenders better than they deserve?
The quote comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act 2, Scene 2) when Hamlet responds to Polonius’s plan to treat the people according to their perceived worth. The following line is, “Use them after your own honour and dignity. The less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty.” The question asks whether we should treat offenders better than they deserve, as Hamlet suggests.
This is a legal theory question delving into the philosophical and theoretical basis of the legal system and focusing on criminal justice and criminal reform. For their response, students must consider the goal of the criminal justice system – whether it’s to prevent crime or to help individuals reintegrate as better citizens after they leave the system. It’s also important to consider the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Eight Amendment, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” To understand more about this question and get started, students should find more information in Criminal Law Journals such as the American Criminal Law Review, American Journal of Criminal Justice, Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, and the Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law.
In addition, students should read nonfiction books on criminal justice reform or look for reports and studies published by nonprofits that work on criminal justice issues.
Q3. Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?
This question concerns international law and war crimes. To write an effective essay, students should first understand how international law has developed. Some resources that will help you create arguments and counterarguments are discussed below.
Many nonprofit legal organizations focus on international questions and related issues. They often provide excellent overviews of topics, which can serve as an initial introduction to the subject. These nonprofits also release reports and work with experts, making them valuable resources for understanding the issue’s broader context.
In addition, students should investigate international law sources, such as case law, statutory law, and treatises on international law, to gather comprehensive background information. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a particularly useful resource. It plays a crucial role in prosecutions, and studying its rulings and procedures would help students better understand how international law is applied in practice.
5. Some General Tips for Students to Keep in Mind While Writing the Essay
Legal Citations
Citations are essential in a legal paper. Students should expect to include more citations than they might be used to, especially if they are accustomed to English papers or MLA formatting.
Analyze the Questions and Link Them to John Locke’s Philosophy
Take the time to understand the essay prompt and what the question is asking for. By drawing connections between Locke’s philosophy and the essay prompt, you can provide a nuanced and insightful analysis demonstrating a deep understanding of both the question and Locke’s ideas. This approach showcases your comprehension of the material and allows you to engage critically with the topic.
Clear Reasoning with Evidence Drawn from Extensive Research
Once you finalize your stance on the question, you must present your argument with logical reasoning and strong evidence from reputable sources. Students can utilize a variety of reputable sources, including academic journals, books, and scholarly articles, to gather relevant information and develop a well-informed argument. In addition, ensure that your structure and ideas are presented clearly and allow your reader to navigate your essay efficiently.
Engage in Critical Analysis
In addition to providing reasoning and evidence to support their arguments, students can examine alternative perspectives to show that they can evaluate evidence critically—specifically, the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints.
Refine Your Writing Style
This type of essay falls under the argumentative essay type and requires a third-person perspective throughout the introduction, body, and conclusion. Students should also use headings and transitions to create a smooth flow and overview of ideas without providing excess information.
Proofreading and Editing
Before submitting your essay and throughout the writing process, seek feedback from peers and teachers to gain valuable insights and perspectives on your essay that will help you make revisions and create the best essay you possibly can.
6. John Locke Essay Competition Preparation Timeline
March and April
- Before registration opens: Begin exploring the essay questions and conducting preliminary research. Look at newspapers, books, and other resources on the topic of interest. This will help you identify which question to select.
- After registration opens: Ensure you’ve chosen your question and are ready to register.
April and May
- Early April: Finalize your question selection.
- April to May: Focus on targeted research. Start building your research log and expanding your knowledge of the topic. Look at legal journal articles to go beyond basic facts and understand how other writers approach similar issues.
- By early May: Begin drafting the essay. The month of May should be dedicated to writing the essay after you create a detailed outline to keep your argument structured.
June
- June: Focus on revisions, cleaning up citations, and adding any necessary final research. This is also the time to address feedback and strengthen any weak arguments.
- Act as if the deadline is June 25 or 26: Submit a few days in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues with your computer or file. Don’t wait until June 30!
7. Aralia’s John Locke Competition Prep
John Locke Competition Prep
In this John Locke Essay Competition Prep course, students will learn the ins and outs of essay writing in preparation for entering the competition. We offer prep classes in all categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Students will choose one topic, compose an original thesis and argument, and write an essay for submission. They will engage in a guided analysis of primary and secondary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and discover novel insights. In addition to the group lecture classes, students will receive guidance on their individual projects from the instructor in one-on-one sessions.
John Locke Essay Competition Prep
In this John Locke Essay Competition Prep course, students will learn the ins and outs of essay writing, in preparation for entering the competition. We offer prep classes in all categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Students will choose one topic, compose an original thesis and argument, and write an essay for submission. Students will engage in a guided analysis of primary and secondary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and discover interesting insights. In addition to the group lecture classes, students will receive guidance on their individual projects from the instructor, in one-on-one sessions.
