The National Student Competition in Criminal Law Sciences has begun

04 Април 2026

Eleven teams from five universities across Bulgaria are testing their knowledge of criminal law. The competition is organized by the "Prof. Tamara Hinova" Lawyers' Club at the Student Council and the Faculty of Law at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar." The event focuses on practical training through the resolution of legal case studies.
The jury is chaired by Prof. D. Sc. Lazar Gruev, a prominent lecturer, former member of the Constitutional Court, and former President of the Supreme Court of Cassation. Joining him in evaluating the future lawyers are Rositsa Toncheva, a judge from the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal – Varna, and Valeria Zlateva, a prosecutor from the District Prosecutor's Office – Dobrich. The visiting team leaders, Dr. Daniela Atanasova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Krasteva from South-West University, were selected via a draw.

Distinguished guests included: Marin Marinov, President of the Varna Court of Appeal, Krasimir Shekerdzhiev, Judge at the Supreme Court of Cassation, the Alumni of Varna Free University: Judge Ivan Stoynov (Varna District Court), Milena Hazaryan, judge at Veliki Preslav District Court) /until recently a judicial assistant in the Court of Appeal/ and Plamena Dzhendova , a judicial assistant).
On behalf of the hosts, the Vice President of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar," Yani Yanev, wished the participants enjoyment in today’s challenge. The President of the Varna Court of Appeal encouraged the competitors, stating: "You are already winners. Your participation alone means you believe in human values. The most significant of these is goodness. Regardless of what you do or in what capacity, always ask yourself the most important question: 'For whom is this good?' Because true good is good for everyone, not just for someone."

Prof. Gruev added: "You are ambitious and well-prepared. But do not strive to be perfect in everything. Strive to be authentic! Because an authentic person finds joy in the victories and successes of others."
Seeing the enthusiasm of the young participants, Judge Shekerdzhiev from the Supreme Court of Cassation expressed confidence that the future of criminal law in Bulgaria is bright. Judge Stoynov supported this sentiment, noting: "Public expectations of the court are high, as they should be. It is our task and yours to make society believe that the judicial system operates at a high level—a fact that is currently not widely recognized because it is not well understood."

Judge Rositsa Toncheva highlighted that the effort is worth it, pointing out that Ivan Stoynov, Milena Hazaryan, and Plamena Dzhendova were once students in these same halls who brought glory to the university through their victory in the National Competition organized by Sofia University.
"I am proud to be a graduate of this university and to have followed my dreams. The effort is always worth it," Judge Hazaryan said to her future colleagues. Plamena Dzhendova recalled that participating in student competitions brings incomparable satisfaction, noting that the competition is stimulating and the mentors are inspiring. "Such events help you create valuable contacts with people with whom you will meet in the future in the profession."

In the first round today, participants presented a written analysis and legal qualification of a case study. The six top-performing teams will advance to the second round, where they will draft resolution and provide a reasoned decision for a criminal procedure case.

We await the jury's decision!

Text and Photos: Desislava Krasteva for the Court of Appeal – Varna