Proposals to reform teaching of law

Proposals drafted by law teachers for how law education at universities should be reformed have been published for public comment by the Council on Higher Education. The draft document will be used to inform a national review of the LLB programme, which aims to ensure minimum standards are met, that students are protected from programmes that do not meet minimum quality standards, and that confidence in higher education programmes is assured. The qualification draft document describes the skills and attributes LLB graduates should demonstrate, notes a report in The Mercury. Statistics show nearly half of law students are dropping out, and just 30% of LLB students graduate within the minimum time of four years. Many students who do go on to graduate with LLB degrees show poor literacy and numeracy skills. The document argues that apart from having knowledge of the law, LLB graduates must also demonstrate certain values, attitudes, critical thinking skills, ethical and professional behaviour, and the ability to take what has been learnt and apply it beyond university. Apart from having a sound understanding of the Constitution and basic fields of law, LLB graduates should possess research and critical-thinking skills, be able to read and write well, and be able to do basic maths. Nic Swart, chief executive of the Law Society of SA, said both the qualification standard document and the review were ‘critically important’, and that the society and the country’s law academics had consulted closely on problems relating to law graduates. Public comment must be submitted by 18 September.