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The Bernard Chernos Contest

Each year, the CCLET presents a nation-wide high school contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos. Student entries address one of the fundamental freedoms questions posed by us each year (often issues the CCLA itself is working on), examining different civil liberties implications, and applying a ‘reasonableness’ analysis. Entries can be submitted either as essays or as ‘video rants’ (in the style of Rick Mercer, one of Canada’s most famous political humorists) for a chance to win cash prizes.

The Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of high school courses!

Contest finalists are selected and judged by volunteers with scholarly and practical expertise in law, education, civil liberties and human rights from across the country.

Winners receive certificates and prizes:

  • 1st place: $750
  • 2nd place: $500
  • 3rd place: $250

The 2024 Bernard Chernos Contest is now closed.

Thank you for your interest and participation in this year’s contest.

Check back often in the fall of 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 contest!

See you in the fall!

About Bernard Chernos

Bernard Chernos was a civil libertarian, lawyer and a lover of lively debate. He graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Toronto as a gold medalist in 1957. In more than 40 years of practice, Mr. Chernos never lost his passion for the academic aspect of law.

This contest has been generously funded by the Chernos Family in memory of the great Bernard Chernos.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Bernard Chernos Contest!

1st Place

Ruby Gorski

Toronto, ON

2nd Place

Nolan Casuccio

Etobicoke, ON

3rd Place

Atticus Rogers

Toronto, ON

Honourable Mention

Cristina Banducci

Vancouver, BC

Honourable Mention

Abinaya Ragupathy

Markham, ON

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