JGLS to hold national conclave on justice education from July 11-14 2012 Law teachers and students to discuss issues relating to legal aid access to justice etc

The Jindal Global Law School, Sonepat (JGLS) with support from the Institute of Rural Research and Development (IRRAD), West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), and Faculty of Law, University of Delhi is organizing a national conclave of law teachers and students working on issues of social justice, poverty, legal aid, access to justice and experiential learning of law. .The conception of “justice education” for this conclave will include exploring roles and responsibilities of law schools in not allowing injustice to exist, at least in its own neighbourhood, and in effectively addressing injustice when it occurs. The roles and responsibilities of law schools will also be explored in making law and its processes compassionate, justice oriented and inclusive of the poor, the marginalized and the under-privileged..With a concerted focus on rural areas, the conclave will also seek to initiate a conversation about legal processes and best practices directed towards the inclusion of rural and urban impoverished and marginalized into the paradigm of justice. While there have been multiple endeavours undertaken by law schools and individual law teachers, very few steps have been taken to establish a formal network amongst them. This conclave is envisaged as a step towards initiation of a continuing dialogue and directed action to translate the contemporary legal education into socially relevant justice education..Objectives of the Conclave .Share experiences, concerns, success stories and problems for mutual learning and better preparednessIdentify Areas for joint/collaborative work to help each other in making initiatives of justice education more effectiveMobilize support for justice education from various bodies like Bar Council of India, National Legal Services Authority, University Grants Commission etc.Develop material and suitable pedagogy for imparting of justice educationSecure participation of students in conceptualizing the contours of legal education- role of law in society and meaning(s) of justice for marginalized and impoverishedDevelop a vibrant platform for participants for continuous dialogue, sharing, engagement and annual conclaveCreate a network of law schools, NGOs, community groups and government organizations to expand the scope, reach and impact of justice education.Participants .The conclave will have students and teachers (full time and part time both) participating in equal numbers and will have discussions, workshops, field visits, writing tasks, cultural events, sports etc..Venue .JGLS will host the conclave in its campus at Sonepat where all participants will be provided accommodation. Participants will have to bear the cost of travelling. IRRAD will support field visits, providing an opportunity to participants to engage with villagers working on issues of rural governance and justice. .Registration .Registration for participation closes on June 25, 2012. Those interested to participate must send a mail to clinicalprogrammes@jgu.edu.in by June 20, 2012 latest in order to obtain the registration form..This report has been prepared by JGLS Campus Reporter, Shreyas Gupta.