I. General Theme

The general theme of this competition is the legal and political environment for civil society, with a focus on civil liberties. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Counter-terrorism, civil liberties, and civil society;
• The legal and policy framework for the foreign funding of civil society;
• Gender effects of counter-terrorism policies and the impact on women’s human rights;
• Strategies to advance civic space in countries with limited adherence to the rule of law;
• The legal framework for civil society in fragile or post-conflict environments; and
• The legal environment for faith-based organizations in politically complex countries.

II. Scope

Regardless of the topic(s) selected by the author(s), the scope of any manuscript should conform to the following thematic parameters:

• Comparative International Analysis: Manuscripts should have an international or transnational orientation. As such, comparative analytic studies are preferred over individual country case studies, unless the author(s) can clearly demonstrate how a country case study is illustrative of, or relevant to, broader global trends.
• Focus on Enabling Environment for Civil Society: Manuscripts should focus on enabling environment issues, such as the laws, regulations, policies, and/or practices impacting the formation, operation, and vibrancy of civil society.

III. Format of Submissions

Submitted manuscripts must conform to the following guidelines:

• Length: Manuscripts must be between 5,000 and 25,000 words, including tables of contents, appendices, indices, and any other constituent parts.
• File Format and Language: Manuscripts must be submitted in English in Microsoft Word.

IV. Submission Procedures

• Deadline: All manuscripts must be received by e-mail no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on January 31, 2008.
• Method of Delivery: Manuscripts must be e-mailed as Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) file attachments to CivilLiberties@icnl.org. An author submitting multiple manuscripts should send each manuscript as a separate email.
• Two Versions of Manuscript: Authors are requested to submit two versions of their manuscripts. In one version, please include the author's name and other identifying information. In the second version, please redact the author's name as well as any other information (such as the person's title) that could be used to easily identify the author. To facilitate objectivity in the review process, we will distribute the second version, should it comply with Prize rules and procedures, to the evaluation committee.
• Cover E-mail: The cover e-mail should include the full name, e-mail address, mailing address, and primary phone number of the author(s). A group of authors submitting a single manuscript should nominate one author to serve as the primary contact for all correspondence.
• Confirmation of Receipt: Within twenty-four (24) hours of having e-mailed a manuscript, a receipt of delivery will be transmitted. If a receipt is not received, within forty-eight (48) hours the author should contact the Organizers to confirm that the manuscript was received. The Organizers assume no responsibility if the author fails to follow-up within this time limit.
• Agreement of Authors: By entering a manuscript for consideration in the competition, each author acknowledges and affirms the following:
  • Originality: The manuscript is the original, unpublished work of the author(s).
  • No Unlawful Material: The manuscript contains no libelous or unlawful material.
  • Non-Exclusive License: If the manuscript is selected for an award, the author agrees to transfer to ICNL and Cordaid a non-exclusive license to publish the manuscript in the IJNL prior to the manuscript’s publication in any other form or media.
  • Sole Discretion of ICNL and Cordaid: The author agrees that all decisions relating to this competition rest solely with the discretion of the Organizers.

V. Review Procedures

In addition to compliance with these rules and procedures, the evaluation committee will take into account the following factors in selecting manuscripts for this competition:

• Contribution to the Field: The extent to which the manuscript advances understanding around the general theme of the competition and has practical application;
• Analytic Rigor: The thoroughness of the research and analysis of the author(s); and
• Language and Style: The amount of work required to publish the manuscript.

The Organizers reserve the right to: (1) award all or none of the prizes in their sole discretion; and (2) to disqualify any manuscript submitted or to revoke any award in the event of noncompliance with these rules or procedures, or law.

VI. Eligibility

• Current and former employees of ICNL and Cordaid are ineligible for this competition.
• No Submission Limit: An author may submit multiple manuscripts, but an individual is eligible to receive only one award in this competition.

VII. Award Procedures

• Award Notification and Delivery: Authors whose manuscripts are selected for awards shall be notified by e-mail no later than April 30, 2008. Only awardees will be notified.
• Responsibilities of Awardees:
  • Taxes: Any tax implications involved in the receipt of the monetary award are the responsibility of the awardees.
  • Prize Apportionment: In the case that the awardee is a group of authors, the awardees shall be responsible for dividing and distributing the monetary prize among the authors.