In a futuristic twist on legal education, the Karl Popper Legal Reasoning Scholarship is challenging law students to navigate complex scenarios involving artificial intelligence, climate change, and shifting human rights. Set in the year 2047, participants are asked to address the case of Ahmad Hakim, a climate refugee denied sanctuary due to his resistance to AI integration and certain community standards in the technologically advanced CoralNet.

Ahmad, along with his family, has fled the Levantine Consolidation Zone after refusing mandatory fertility conscription for his daughters. While his wife and children are granted provisional sanctuary, Ahmad's rejection of AI co-pilots, verification literacy training, and the epistemic infrastructure of CoralNet leads to his exclusion. The case presents a rich tapestry of issues including AI governance, personal freedoms, and the evolving definitions of family and community in a refugee context.

Participants in the competition can choose from writing a party brief, a judicial opinion, or a scholarly analysis, with submissions ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 words. The use of AI in crafting these submissions is not only permitted but encouraged, reflecting the growing role of technology in legal processes.

This legal hypothetical is far more than an academic exercise; it mirrors real-world dilemmas at the intersection of technology, law, and human rights. The competition underscores a broader legal philosophical debate about the limits of tolerance and the role of AI in judicial decision-making. Karl Popper's principle that tolerance must be balanced with a resistance to intolerance offers a poignant backdrop to the competition's scenario.

With a total prize pool of $25,000, the competition promises substantial rewards for innovative legal thinkers. The first prize is set at $10,000, with two runners-up receiving $2,500 each, and seven additional finalists earning $500.

The deadline for submissions is October 10, 2025, 23:59 UTC. As the legal landscape continues to evolve with advancements in AI and changes in global politics, this competition offers a provocative and timely challenge for the next generation of legal professionals.

For more details on the competition and entry requirements, interested candidates can visit the Karl Popper Legal Reasoning Scholarship’s website. This competition not only offers a significant opportunity for aspiring lawyers to showcase their skills but also to engage deeply with the critical issues at the frontier of law and technology.