President of Columbia University
Columbia University in New York City, in the United States, is inviting nominations for the 2024 Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes, which recognise exceptional judicial decisions and legal services from around the world that advance the cause of freedom of expression by championing international legal standards for safeguarding human rights.
Groups and individuals are invited to nominate court rulings or legal services that have made a recognisable difference in the realm of freedom of expression and information. Self-nominations are accepted as well. The assessment of these nominations will be undertaken by an impartial panel of experts well-versed in law, advocacy, journalism, and human rights. Nominations from across the globe will be accepted for consideration.
The awards will award prizes in two categories. The first category; Excellence in Legal Services, recognizes a legal brief, legal amicus brief or legal defense presented anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international norms of Freedom of Expression and Information.
The second category, Significant Legal Ruling, recognises a judgment or decision rendered anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international standards of Freedom of Expression and Information.
In selecting the winners, the judges consider the following:
- The decision or legal service must demonstrate sound legal reasoning and have advanced the legal understanding of the issues under consideration.
- The decision or legal service must make a significant contribution to the protection of freedom of expression or information.
- The decision or legal service must demonstrate a global understanding of freedom of expression and information. This could be demonstrated by listing laws, standards, policies, or decisions regarding freedom of expression that have been referenced in the brief, amicus, or publication. The listed references may be international, regional, and/or originating from other jurisdictions.
The deadline for submission of nominations is December 1, 2023.
For further information and to submit nominations, please visit https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/2024-columbia-global-freedom-of-expression-prizes/.
