Importance of Legal Education in Modern Era

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.