5th March 2021
Students across the country submitted essays on the subject: “Justice is not justice through a computer screen”. Following much thought, Jo Martin QC has selected Mr Tambling’s essay as our winner.
Expressing how impressed she was with all the entries, Jo Martin QC noted that the topic was not an easy one to get into, with a great deal of scope as to how students approached the discussion of whether or not justice can be achieved through a computer screen.
Whilst there was some overlap in thoughts and research, the essays contained very individual and thought-provoking ideas. Some students focused on a particular area of law (family, crime, or civil), whilst others took a wide-ranging approach. And whilst some essays drew on experiences in Nigeria, China, Canada, Scotland, and the US, others remained firmly rooted in this jurisdiction.
The research that the students undertook was extraordinary, drawing on the Nuffield Observatory report, the Transparency project, articles by Richard Susskind, and Parliamentary reports, as well as academic research articles, and case law.
Whilst it was ultimately a very difficult decision, Mr Tambling (whose entry included an eye-catching introduction, well set out arguments, and a strong conclusion) was chosen as our winner, and will receive the £500 prize money.
We would like to thank everyone who took part in this competition, and gave us at Devon Chambers much to think about. You can read Mr Tambling’s winning entry here.
