Reforming Clinical Legal Education In India: Bridging The Gap Between Legal Theory And Practice
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 4
- 1 min read
Aditi Gusain, University of Mumbai Law Academy
Yashasvi Singh, Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College Pune
ABSTRACT
Clinical Legal Education (CLE) in India is an eminent component, which helps in bridging the gap between legal theory and practical application. With its essence embedded in experiential learning, CLE helps law students by playing an important role in gaining skills such as legal drafting, research, interviewing, and client counselling, while nurturing empathy and social justice in them. The motive of this paper is to explore the roots of origin, historical background, and the changes that have occurred through time in CLE, analysing the significance in the legal curriculum, and examining current practices in India. Though legal aid cells are present in many law schools, due to poor planning, the existing systems remain inefficient, lack proper training, and have insufficient institutional support, making them inadequate to address real- legal world challenges. This research delves into crucial judgments and the role of the Supreme Court and highlights major challenges, encompassing outdated approaches and limited engagement. Analysis compared with global CLE models draws insights. The study concludes with proposals that will help in strengthening CLE in India and includes a questionnaire-based assessment for practical understanding. If properly and coherently implemented and integrated, CLE can transform legal education and can help students to serve society more effectively.
Keywords: Legal Education, Clinical Legal Education, Legal aid, Social Justice
