Why legal education should become an instrument for social design

Education was never meant to play the role of mere facilitator of an academic degree that fetches us employment. Its primary role was to shape our outlook and character in a way that actualises our endeavours of becoming better human beings. We are in volatile times where indifference may lead to impending doom. The discipline of law inherently talks about stability without overlooking the dynamism of the society that we live in. Though laws get drafted and passed within the walls of government institutions and machineries, they eventually have to be executed in society. Hence, it becomes inherently necessary for any law to be seamlessly connected with the socio-economic realities. As law follows society, simultaneously it has to lead society as well. So, in a nutshell, it is a balancing act between being conscious of the status quo and endeavouring to achieve the ideal. The entire process of legal education encompasses the aforementioned ideals and hence, it prepares a law student to act as a connector between the striving present and the future that we desire for our society.

Knowledge of law gives power
The relevance of organisations will rely upon their ability to self-critique and change. The rebuilding of moral standards, keeping up with law and order, and dissenting from the popular is essential for growth. If legal education focuses solely on creating lawyers and legal professionals, then they are providing just another taxpayer to the community. This shall be a highly limiting ambition considering the potential of legal education. From the range of instruction, this will require law schools to view legal education as a socio-political obligation rather than a business industry. The most principal role has been of training young lawyers to carry out society’s plan to speak for the voiceless and be an agent of social change and progressive development. Law is a crucial organ to usher intellectual, social and financial changes. The job of the law to manage public activity, socio-cultural aspects and individual conduct through institutionalism is well established and that speaks volumes regarding the duties and obligations of a law student.

Human civilisation has collectively recognised education as a prerequisite for a purposeful and prosperous social existence, and appropriately so. Education equips an individual with the tools of self-actualisation while also helping them express themselves in a more evolved and effective manner. Beyond its spiritual relevance, education in contemporary times has become quintessential for an individual’s socio-economic survival.

Justice to all
Legal education is not just confined to accumulating facts; it aims at creating responsible leaders for tomorrow’s society, who can think and act independently, sometimes contrary to prevailing popular beliefs of times. Legal professions hold the power as well as the responsibility to bring forth the reforms which our society needs while constantly working towards the aim of providing justice to all. These responsibilities are not just hollow ideologies but are the skills that set you apart in your career as well. Consequently, the job of legal education becomes significant for a democratic society. The battle for India’s freedom was driven predominately by legal counsellors. Hence, the modern revolution must seek their contribution as well.
(The author is dean, IILM Law School, IILM University, Gurugram)