THE MALET STREET GAZETTE
EST. 1998
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EST. 1998 |
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1858-2008 University of London External Programme 150th Birthday Events
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Taking Stock-2000 and Beyond
As we approach the next Millennium, The Malet Street Gazette has a simple mission – to break down walls and help you unlock the information that will allow you to learn more about the law. Learning doesn't necessarily mean entering the legal profession. As one of our contributors clearly explains, there are alternative careers and needs beyond the professional lawyer. Study the law, but don’t be confined to the profession of law – the law is everywhere. There are many things yet to achieve, but the Malet Street Gazette will continue to tread slowly until resources permit a more expanded role. In the meantime, please keep those questions coming, and don’t hesitate to contribute to our discussion forum. More than anything, as we walk the halls of US law schools, we look with concern at how little perspective and experience of life many full time students have. Age is not an excuse, but preoccupation with landing that right job, paying off those student loans, making the grade, passing the bar – all important, but hardly an excuse not to embrace the law for what it is – a remarkable subject in its own right. We remain concerned with the US ABA’s fetish with classroom attendance, and its attendant barriers to entry to the legal profession here in the US. The Internet has arrived, and as usual the legal profession has lagged behind the private sector in realizing it’s potential. As we’ve stated in prior editorials, classroom teaching of law via the Internet should be recognized by the ABA. More needs to be done to acknowledge that not everyone can afford a legal education, let alone attend class when careers and family put strains on potential students not found with full time students. Mature students with experience and focus need to be embraced by the ABA, not shunned like some second class citizens merely because they can’t attend class four nights a week. Yes, attendance is valuable, but it should not be all embracing. We are confident the coming years will see a greater acceptance of distance learning and the Internet in developing legal education and legal culture in the US. In the UK, we are heartened by the lead taken by the birthplace of the common law. The growth of Internet legal education is a breath of fresh air, and those who have pioneered its roots must be commended for introducing new pathways to achieving and obtaining a legal education. Semple Piggot and Law Tutors On Line are but two excellent examples. Finally, The Concord University School of Law introduced the first Internet law school here in the US, and with its acceptance by the California Bar Association, there is much hope that more states will attach similar approval to future internet law schools. As for the UK, the University of London enters the 21st Century with its lead and spirit intact for making not only legal education, but all education available to students around the world. Its External Program is a shinning example that a degree is not the exclusive club of the wealthy, but to all who can devote themselves to independent study. Obviously the legal profession is not found only in the UK and the USA, but throughout the commonwealth, and throughout the world. We are proud that we have been able to start a country by country reporting system at the Malet Street Gazette. Where else can you find one place where information about many national legal jurisdictions is published? More needs to be done, but 1999 was a good start. Already, we have correspondents from Trinidad, Canada, Bermuda, Belize, Malaysia, India, and the Russian Federation. More will be added in 2000. Our comments would not be complete unless special thanks were given to Phillip Taylor, the editor and Barrister of the Barrister Desk As many of you will no doubt note by reading the articles and comments Phillip has written - his insight and wit from within the English legal professional provides everyone who is interested in the law, with a unique perspective. We are grateful for Phillip’s enthusiasm and contributions to the Malet Street Gazette – I encourage everyone to visit the Barrister Desk. George Pappas Editor |
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The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice, and no one should rely on the information contained in the Gazette. The views and posts published on this website and the Malet Street Gazette Discussion Board are not expressions of the Gazette's management or editorial policy and do not necessarily reflect the Gazette's opinion. The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. accepts no responsiblity for the accuracy of any statement made herein, and all readers/visitors are advised to check the facts for themselves and not rely on statements made herein. The authors and publishers accept no liability in relation thereto. The areas of law discussed are particularly fast-moving, and legal issues develop on a daily basis. The up-to-date position should always therefore be checked. The Malet Street Gazette is not connected nor officially sanctioned by the University of London. Copyright©1998-2008 The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. |
