Alt: The Impact of Legal Education on Society: Roles and Responsibilities of a Lawyer

The impact of legal education is not only about learning and interpreting laws but also acting as a catalyst for changing society. In this blog, we seek to explore how law and society are interrelated – emphasising the role of lawyers in society. We will talk about the important duties aspiring lawyers can play in their machinery.

We will also reveal strategies we employ to shape our lawyers into some of the best courtroom advocates as well as policymakers and changemakers.

1. The Foundation of Legal Education

Legal education in India serves as the bedrock for shaping astute legal professionals who play pivotal roles in society. At SMS Law College, Varanasi, the BA LLB curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with a profound understanding of legal principles and their practical applications, reflecting the profound impact of legal education on both personal and societal scales.

The BA LLB programme spans ten semesters, each integrating core subjects that lay a foundational understanding of the legal system while simultaneously addressing specific societal issues. From the initial semesters, where students delve into the basics of:

• English,
• Political Science,
• Sociology,
• History, and
• foundational laws of Contracts and Constitutional Law,

to the advanced courses focusing on specialised areas such as:

• Intellectual Property Law,
• Environmental Law, and
• Gender Justice, the curriculum is structured to cover an expansive range of legal territories.

This comprehensive educational structure ensures that students are not only well-versed in the letter of the law but also its spirit, thereby fulfilling the role of lawyers in society as custodians of justice and equality.

Courses like ‘Human Rights and Practice’ and ‘Environmental Law’ directly tie into the broader impacts of law and society training students to use their legal acumen to champion causes that safeguard public interest and promote sustainable development.

Moreover, the inclusion of practical training sessions through:

• Moot Courts,
• Internships, and
• courses like ‘Pleading, Drafting and Conveyancing’

provides students with the hands-on experience necessary to bridge their theoretical knowledge with real-world legal practices.

These practical experiences are crucial in understanding the societal impacts of legal decisions and actions, aligning with the overarching role of legal education in fostering a just society.

In conclusion, the BA LLB programme at SMS Law College not only prepares students to excel in diverse legal professions but also instils in them a deep sense of ethical responsibility and social awareness.

Through this rigorous educational journey, students are sculpted into professionals who not only navigate the complexities of law but also contribute significantly to societal betterment, embodying the true essence of the impact of legal education.

2. Understanding the Role of Lawyers in Society

The role of lawyers in society is both traditional and dynamically evolving, reflecting their integral influence in shaping legal and societal norms. Lawyers traditionally act as advocates, representing clients in court, ensuring justice through vigorous defence and adherence to legal ethics.

Or we approach lawyers to get legal advice. We think they can provide counsel on various legal matters to ensure compliance with the law and to protect clients’ rights and interests under the existing legal framework.

But things are changing now. Today, lawyers increasingly participate in policy development, utilising their legal expertise to draft and refine legislation that addresses complex societal issues. Beyond the courtroom, social advocacy is quite a trend. Lawyers champion social causes, using their skills to promote civil rights, social justice, and public interest advocacy.

Indian legal history is replete with examples of lawyers who have been instrumental in driving societal change, both historically and in contemporary times.

In the past, there have been examples like:

• Mahatma Gandhi: We all know that the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was a lawyer by training. It was his legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice that led him to play a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. He was the one who came up with the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement and advocated several social reforms that challenged the oppressive colonial regime and inspired millions.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Often referred to as the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar was a legal expert too. He is remembered for his role in safeguarding the rights of marginalised communities and ensuring social justice. He worked tirelessly while drafting the Constitution and he was the one to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Recently, we can talk about:

• Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer: Justice Iyer is a champion of social justice. In the case of Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) which was about the arbitrary revocation of a passport, his interpretation expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Indian Constitution, stating that the right to travel abroad is part of personal liberty. In another case related to the treatment of prisoners and conditions in jails, he highlighted the need for humane treatment of prisoners and laid down guidelines for protecting their rights.

In the case of Muthamma v. Union of India (1979), he struck down discriminatory service rules that required a female employee to obtain permission from the government before getting married and allowed the government to terminate her service if she got married. In yet another case, Justice Iyer ordered the Ratlam Municipality to take necessary steps to improve sanitation and control environmental pollution.

Justice Iyer’s landmark judgments expanded the scope of fundamental rights and protected the interests of vulnerable sections of society. His judicial activism set a precedent for using the law as a tool for social change.

• Indira Jaising: A leading advocate for women’s rights, Ms. Jaising’s legal battles have challenged discriminatory laws and practices, paving the way for greater gender equality. Her work highlights the crucial role of lawyers in promoting social justice and empowering marginalized groups.

These examples underscore the profound impact of legal education on shaping lawyers who are not only well-versed in the law but also deeply committed to using their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.

As future lawyers, you have the potential to follow in their footsteps, using your legal expertise to uphold justice, defend human rights, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Lawyers

The legal profession demands unwavering adherence to ethical obligations, as outlined by the Bar Council of India. The Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules provide a robust framework guiding the ethical responsibilities of lawyers, which are pivotal for maintaining the sanctity of the profession and ensuring justice.

For example, lawyers are bound by the duty of confidentiality, protecting client information unless disclosure is mandated by law. This principle, enshrined in Rule 17 of the Bar Council of India Rules, is fundamental to the client-lawyer relationship.

Also, the advocates must exhibit competence and diligence, as mandated by Rule 11, ensuring that they provide proficient legal services. This ethical commitment is crucial in safeguarding the rights of individuals and upholding the rule of law in society.

Ethics significantly impact public perception and trust in the legal system. A breach of ethical duties can erode public confidence, undermining the role of lawyers in society. Conversely, adherence to ethical standards enhances the credibility of the legal profession and fortifies the public’s faith in the judicial process.

The impact of legal education is profound in this regard, as it ingrains ethical principles in future legal practitioners, shaping their professional conduct.

4. Legal Education’s Impact on Social Justice

By imparting knowledge of constitutional principles, statutory provisions, and judicial precedents, legal education lays the foundation for advocates to champion the cause of the underserved. The impact of legal education extends beyond theoretical understanding, fostering critical thinking and ethical practice essential for navigating the complexities of law and society.

One key aspect of legal education is its focus on human rights and social justice, as highlighted in various sections of the Advocates Act, 1961. Courses on constitutional law, public interest litigation, and human rights empower students to understand and address systemic inequalities. And several lawyers are doing it already.

Prashant Bhushan, for example, is known for his public interest litigations. He has addressed issues ranging from environmental degradation to government corruption. His legal education has enabled him to use the judiciary as a platform to enforce accountability and transparency, demonstrating the profound role of lawyers in upholding the law and society’s ethical standards.

Vrinda Grover is also an advocate and human rights activist. She has been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of survivors of sexual violence and communal riots. Her education in law has equipped her with the skills to navigate complex legal battles and advocate for policy changes, highlighting the transformative impact of legal education on social justice.

5. Beyond the Courtroom: Lawyers as Community Leaders and Policy Makers

One prominent non-traditional role for lawyers is that of policy-making. Lawyers, with their deep understanding of legal principles and societal needs, are uniquely positioned to draft and advocate for laws that address pressing social issues. For instance, NALSAR University alumnus Arun Jaitley, as India’s Finance Minister, utilised his legal acumen to craft economic policies that impacted millions.

Activism represents another vital avenue where lawyers can effect change. By championing human rights and environmental causes, legal professionals leverage their expertise to drive social reform.

Community leadership is yet another sphere where lawyers make significant contributions. By engaging with local communities, lawyers can identify and address grassroots issues, fostering a culture of justice and empowerment. Their involvement in community organisations and local governance ensures that legal perspectives inform development initiatives, enhancing the overall impact of law and society.

This multifaceted involvement underscores the essential role of lawyers in fostering justice, equity, and societal progress.

Conclusion

The impact of legal education extends beyond courtroom advocacy, empowering lawyers to shape society through policy-making, activism, and community leadership. These roles highlight the profound influence of legal professionals on law and society, demonstrating the essential role of lawyers in advancing justice and fostering societal progress.