The James Hemming Essay Prize is administered by the British Humanist Association, New Humanist and the South Place Ethical Society.

Entries of no more than 1,500 words will be accepted from any student at a UK school or college studying for AS or A2 levels or qualifications at the same level (eg intermediate 1, intermediate 2, higher, advanced higher etc) who is 19 or under on 1st April 2012.

The question for 2012 is:

No moral system can rest solely on authority. It can never be sufficient justification for performing any action that someone commands it. (A J Ayer, 1910-1989) Discuss.

The James Hemming Essay Prize awards are:

1st Prize £1000
2nd Prize £500
3rd Prize £250

Prize winners will receive their awards in London in July/August 2012.  The prize money is provided by the South Place Ethical Society.  Prize winners will also receive books from the British Humanist Association and a year's subscription to New Humanist.  The prize winner's college or school will receive books from the British Humanist Association and a free online subscription to New Humanist.