LAW STUDENTS: $15,000 IN PRIZE MONEY . . . The American College of Trial Lawyers has announced an essay contest for law students on "Judicial Independence and the Separation of Powers Doctrine."

First place gets $10,000; second place $5,000. Suggested word length: 5,000 words. Deadline for entry: March 1, 2007.

The entries will be judged by seven state and federal court judges who are also Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For the names of the judges and additional information about the contest, see this brochure (pdf) from the ACTL's website.

Why judicial independence? According to a press release I received, here's the reason:

"The College chose the topic of judicial independence to emphasize its importance in an era when it is often under attack.  Judicial selection and retention have been subjected to partisan and social influences that have no bearing on a judge's merit as a judge," said Michael A. Cooper, President of the College.  "The purpose of this contest is to raise attention about the real and substantial threats to judicial independence and the doctrine of separation of powers."