Clinical Buddies: Jumping the Fact-Law Chasm
Alternative Law Journal, Monograph No. 1, p. 42, 2007
Monash University Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2007/19
6 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 2009 Last revised: 15 Apr 2009
Date Written: February 25, 2009
Abstract
This chapter suggests a way to capitalise on the enthusiasm of students in their first year of law and arrest its decline in later years. It suggests a 'buddy system' between first year students and those participating in a clinical program who are usually in the later years of the degree. It argues that such a system has benefits for both the students and staff of introductory legal units, for the clinical programs and for the clients of clinical programs. Such a system would also go some way to 'humanise' the legal system for new students, building a bridge across the abyss that divides 'law as taught in the lecture theatre' from law as experienced in the profession', thus enabling students to jump the fact-law chasm.
Keywords: undergraduate studies, law studies, buddy system, legal education, clinical
JEL Classification: K0, K00, K19, K29, K39, K49
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation