Law Clinics and the Clinical Law Movement in South Africa

Product Details:
Author(s):
Bodenstein, J
Year Published:
2018
Edition
1st Edition
Type:
Print | Soft Cover
Language:
English
About this publication
Law Clinics and the Clinical Law Movement in South Africa provides guidelines to assist clinicians and universities with the development of the clinical legal education curriculum, teaching methodology and the administration of a university-based law clinic. The manual was developed from contributions taken from papers and presentations given by clinicians attending workshops of the South African University Law Clinics Association (SAULCA).
The book offers a wide range of guidance on many components of clinical legal education, including integrating clinical legal education with the requirements of higher education and the legal profession, setting goals and objectives for a clinical legal education programme, and an examination of the basic principles of teaching and learning as well as assessment.
It also focuses on the different methods of teaching and learning, such as lecturing, supervision, legal research and mediation. The teaching portfolio covers in detail many subjects, including client communications, drafting and civil trial advocacy. The manual pays attention to the day-to-day administration of a university-based law clinic with practical support on financial and office management as well as accreditation.
The unique feature of this manual is that the material covered in many sections offers practical advice and examples which will be of benefit to newly appointed law clinicians.
The manual adheres to SAULCA’s vision, mission and objectives, and in collaboration with its member university law clinics, SAULCA continues to investigate and explore new methods and processes which aim to improve clinical legal education and access to justice.
Content
Law clinics and the clinical law movement in South Africa
The history of the South African University Law Clinics Association
The role of and challenges faced by law clinics in South Africa
Recent developments affecting the status of law clinics within the legal profession and university funding of law clinics in South Africa
The building blocks for a clinical law programme for law clinics
Integrating clinical legal education with the requirements of higher education and the legal profession
Foundation of a clinical legal education module
The setting of goals and objectives for a clinical legal education programme
Alignment of clinical legal education modules with the curricula of law faculties
Developing a basic clinical legal education programme
Basic principles of learning and teaching in clinical legal education
Assessment
Different methods of teaching and learning
Brainstorming
Simulated exercises
Lectures
Experiential learning
Mentoring and supervision
Theory of legal research in a clinical setting
Discussion groups
Audio-visuals
Written exercises
Problem-solving and reflective lawyering
Mediation
Teaching portfolio
Client communications
Negotiations
Office and file management
Clinical teaching of legal research
Civil trial advocacy
Drafting
Litigation
Judgment, legal analytical and strategising skills
Professionalism
Applying legal ethics to practice
The management and administration of law clinics
Management of law clinics
Accreditation and rules of professional bodies applying to law clinics
Financial management: the financial administration and control of a law clinic
The legal practice of a law clinic and quality controls
Office administration of a law clinic
Interest / Benefit to
Law clinics
Lecturers