Scales Of Justice

Legal education is at a crossroads today. Skillsets and knowledge have to factor in the demands of a transforming society and a globalising system of governance.

- N.R. Madhava Menon

 

India will celebrate 75 years as a democratic republic under rule of law in 2025. The con­ stitutional vision projected in the preamble will be a reference point to measure the progress made and the distance yet to be covered. The role of law, lawyers and legal ins titutions in national reconstruction and socioeconomic justice will natu­ rally be assessed in this journey. It is in this context that the Nati o nal Knowledge Commission (2007) report articulated the goals of legal education to include “justice­oriented education directed to the realisation of values enshrined in the Constitution of India”. The report further said, “Legal education must aim at preparing legally qualified persons who will play decisive leadership roles, not only as advocates practising in courts, but also as legisla­ tors, policy makers, public officials, academics, civil society activists... maintaining highest standards of professional ethics and a spirit of public service.”

SETTING THE AGENDA