Ewan makes it three in a row for Merton Law students

Ewan White's paper covering hot topics such as UK sovereignty, the West Lothian question, and the Human Rights Act was awarded this year's Slaughter and May Prize in Constitutional Law - the third year in a row that a Merton Law student has won an undergraduate Law prize.

First-year student Ewan's paper looked at the adequacy of the new Parliamentary Standing orders on English Votes for English Laws in addressing the West Lothian Question; whether Sovereignty would be restored to the UK Parliament if the European Community Act 1972 were to be repealed; and whether the Human Rights Act 1998 represents a threat to Parliamentary Sovereignty. Ewan joins previous Law prize winners Ian Simester (2014) and Katie Ratcliffe (2015), and receives £350 for his efforts.

Commenting on his success, Ewan said:

"While I am deeply honoured to have received the Slaughter and May Prize in Constitutional Law this year, my success is as much due to the supportive ethos of Merton College as it is to my own efforts. I certainly wouldn’t have survived Moderations without the tight-knit group of first-year lawyers who have made my studies so far not only more manageable, but also much more enjoyable. I am also greatly indebted to the second- and third-years, who provided a seemingly inexhaustible supply of advice, encouragement—and cake.

"The fact that Merton students have now been awarded law moderations prizes for three years running is a testament to an atmosphere of academic excellence which goes far beyond any one individual. Having said all that, the £350 prize is certainly appreciated!"