Established in 1888 by a gift from Henry M. Phillips's sister to be used as an award for the best essay of real merit on the science and philosophy of jurisprudence. From 1986 to 1997, this award in jurisprudence recognized the most important publication in the field within a five-year period. In 1999, the criteria for the prize were raised to recognize outstanding lifetime contributions to the field of jurisprudence and the important publications, which illustrate that accomplishment. The first award using