In modern
welfare society three terms can be closely interrelated – Law, Legal Education
and Development. At Present Law is
perceived not merely as an instrument of social control but also as an
instrument of Social Change. The
possession of legal knowledge is taken as an asset since time immemorial. The
legal professionals serve as torch bearers for the society by guiding the
society on various parameters. Legal Education is often termed as “Awakening Education”
as it abreast the person with their rights, duties and enlightens on the
available machinery in case of infringement of these rights.
Legal education
is important in day to day dealing with peers, public, government, business
partners, family transactions etc. Below are few of the broad areas closely
associated with individual life,wherein legal education turns out to be of
paramount importance:
- · Addressing Social Issues:
The modern
social issues which are affecting a large number of people can be brought to
the center stage and appropriately resolved with the help of legal education.
The clinical legal education helps us to understand the concept of Public
Interest Litigation (PIL)and Writs. PIL and writs provision have turned out to
be an effective weapon in the hands of common man against the discrimination
and exploitation to which society is subject to at any point of time. A well
trained legal mind successfully persuades the Honorable courts to grant relief which
will be beneficial for people at large.
·
Family
Grievances Over Property disputes :
A well informed
legal mind helps in preserving the unity of the families by avoiding the common
property disputes among the members. The Law has provisions for amicable
settlement of disputes and the intention of legislation has always been to
avoid any impasse between family members over the inheritance of property.
·
Aid to State machinery for maintenance of Peace
and Public order
Legal Education
gives the courage to common man to address their grievance to Police and
Administration in affirmative manner. The person who is well versed with the
legal provisions is a helping hand to state machinery in solving complex issues
and problems.
·
Concept
of Rights and Duties
Legal knowledge
helps the masses to be vigilant about their rights and duties. The rights which
are guaranteed to the citizens cannot be taken away or abridged except
according to the procedure established by law so in case the Government
attempts to infringe the rights the aggrieved party can knock the doors of
Judiciary. The legal awareness also helps
people to respect the national integrity, national flag, ancient monuments,
forest, animals etc. as preserving them is a duty casted on all citizens.
·
Unconventional
Issues redress by Law
The issues of Transgender, Happenstances, Prevention of child abuse, recognizing modern form of crime
against women like acid attack, voyeurism and stalking, Protection sought for
partner in live in relationship, Honor killing, Choice Marriage etc. are some
of the recent concerns which have been dully taken care by Law. Thus the proper
study of law expands the horizon of mind which helps the society to depart from
age old traditions and customs for progress and development.
·
Business
World and Law
There has been a
change in the pattern of business due to technological advancements, mobility
of people, cross country trade and they have given a new dimension to legal
concepts like arbitration, mediation, Insolvency, Intellectual Property issues, cyber crime etc. The business world is dotted with legal rules and regulations
which are mandatory to be complied with and Legal education is a blessing in
disguise for all the current and prospective people who want to have their own
business.
·
Upliftment of
Women And Law
The voice for
women empowerment finds its destination under various social legislations like
Maternity Benefit Act, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, Indecent representation of women (Prohibition)Act etc.
These legislations are women centric and are made exclusively for their
upliftment and betterment. The legal knowledge helps the women to fight against
social abuses and to protect her dignity and integrity.
The legal
education is the best possible remedy against the existing and expected
societal problems. A legally sound mind not only protects the rights and duties
of people but also helps in proper and smooth functioning of the government
agencies. Thus, legal education is an
effective tool in the hands of common man to address their problems to
appropriate authorities and seek proper remedy.
