St Antony’s students part of award-winning team in European justice competition

St Antony’s students Matheus Mendes and Benjamin Wardlow were part of the winning team for the University of Oxford in the 2026 Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, an international competition organised by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) of the Council of Europe.

Matheus, who currently serves as President of the GCR, and Benjamin were members of the 6-person student team for the University of Oxford recognised for its legal analysis and research on innovative approaches to justice systems in Europe.

The Junior European Crystal Scales of Justice Prize is held every two years in partnership with the Faculty of Law at the University of Strasbourg. The competition invites Master’s students from across Council of Europe member and observer states to examine and defend projects previously recognised by the Council of Europe’s Crystal Scales of Justice Prize.

The wider Crystal Scales of Justice Prize was established in 2005 to highlight innovative and effective practices within European judicial systems. Organised annually by CEPEJ, it recognises projects that improve the efficiency, accessibility and quality of justice across Europe.

As part of the award, the winning team has been invited to attend the 46th CEPEJ Plenary Meeting in Strasbourg, where the prize ceremony will take place. The team hopes to bring the Crystal Scales trophy back to St Antony’s following the event.