Prix Walter Owen

• A statement of 200 words or less explaining how the book meets the selection criteria.
• Consent from the author or authors.
• Two copies of the application package.

Who is eligible?

• Authors and co-authors of eligible legal books.
• Publishers submitting eligible books.

Who is not eligible

• Translations.
• Biographies, autobiographies, and books written for law reform or commissioned work.

Eligible geographic areas

• Books published in Canada.

• Strong legal doctrinal content from a Canadian perspective.
• Significant importance and current or emerging relevance.
• Clear originality or major revision of a previous edition.
• Strong internal unity, theoretical depth, and structure.
• Exceptional writing quality and potential contribution to Canadian legal literature.

• Step 1: Prepare the submission
  • Write a statement of 200 words or less explaining how the book meets the selection criteria.
  • Obtain the consent of the author or authors.
• Step 2: Send the application
  • Send two copies of the application package to the chair of the jury.
• Step 3: Provide additional copies if shortlisted
  • Make additional copies of the shortlisted books available to jury members if requested.

• Applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Foundation.
• The committee chair receives all submissions.
• The Foundation announces the winners after the selection process.

• The prize alternates annually between French-language and English-language works.
• Co-authors are recognized as candidates.
• Selected candidates must agree to be named in publications and take part in a one-hour webinar.