One prize of £500 is offered to student members of the Inn for an essay on a prescribed topic of not more than 3,000 words. Under the terms of the Lechmere Trust, the Prize is only open to students of British or Irish origin and domicile. Entries, which should be typed and clearly marked with the entrant's name and address and student number, must be lodged with the Deputy Under Treasurer (Education) by Friday 13 August 2010, midday.

The topics for the 2010 prize are:

1. Discuss the legal and constitutional implications of a hung Parliament.

2. Are the arguments for and against the introduction of Alternative Vote for elections to the House of Commons affected by support for the three main parties being fairly evenly balanced?

3. 'Proportionality involves judges reviewing the merits of discretionary decisions. Such a role does not fit comfortably in a system such as the UK's which does not have a written constitution. Wednesbury unreasonableness is to be preferred as a ground for review'. Explain and discuss this view. Do you agree?

4. It is sometimes said that the Human Rights Act section 4 authorises judicial review of primary legislation. Does it?