The Basic Law has been Germany's constitution for 75 years. Deeply rooted in Germany's history, the constitution grants fundamental rights and freedoms, while remaining a sound, yet flexible basis. Since its adoption in 1949, there have been numerous amendments and additions to help ensure the basis for a just and free coexistence in a constantly changing world and society.

Landmark decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court promoted the German understanding of fundamental rights. One of the more recent decisions was made in 2021, when the Court declared the former Climate Protection Act unconstitutional. Similarly, the Korean Constitutional Court has recently ruled that respective legislation in response to the climate crisis was unconstitutional. This is just one example of a social change that demanded a response in constitutional law. New developments continue to emerge, as the public debate regarding AI shows. Not only the Constitutional Courts but also the legislators will have to deal with these issues. Naturally, these matters arise globally, and both the German and Korean constitutions and Constitutional Courts are facing them.

In view of these challenges, the German Embassy in Seoul is organizing an essay competition in which participants are invited to write an essay on the topic „Justice of the Future - Answers by German and Korean Constitutional Law“, in which they should address challenges of German and Korean constitutional law (e.g. climate change, AI, human rights, democracy under pressure etc.). What are specific challenges for Germany and South Korea? What differences arise from the different constitutions? Are the constitutions sufficiently equipped for the future and which changes are needed? You may focus on a specific topic or take a broader view.

The best essay, selected by a Committee of German and Korean lawyers, practitioners and scholars, will be published in a Korean and a German legal medium (blog, journal etc.) and the three best essays will be awarded by the German Ambassador with a prize in a public ceremony, taking place on December 5 at the Great Hall of the Constitutional Court of South Korea.

Condition of participation:

• You are a law student (incl. LL.M. programs), doctoral candidate or a trainee lawyer („Rechtsreferendar:in“) currently staying in South Korea

Formalities:

• Korean or English Language
• Character limitation of 1500 words (excl. declaration of originality)
• Bibliography and declaration of originality
• Deadline: 22. November 2024
• Submission via email to: rk-rref1@seou.auswaertiges-amt.de

Awards for best essays:

• Publication of the best Essay in a German and a Korean legal medium
• Prize money of 1 Mio. KRW for the best and 600.000 KRW for the 2nd and 3rd best essay
• An edition of the German Basic Law signed by the President of the German Federal Constitutional Court for the best essay