Access to Justice: Unmet Social Needs and Legal Education

Abstract

Legal education has always been instrumental in shaping societies and nurturing leaders, advocates as well as reformers. The pivotal role of the legal profession in securing freedom and advocating justice cannot be ignored. However, the persistent disparity between the promises of social justice and the realities of access to justice remains a pressing concern. While law schools are entrusted with preparing legal professionals, their relevance is often questioned for failing to address the socio-economic inequalities that plague society. Bridging this gap requires a transformative approach that prioritizes inclusivity, social responsibility, and experiential learning. This article examines the shortcomings of the Indian legal education system in addressing the prevalent issues and emphasises the need to restructure the same, focussing more on access of justice to all. It further highlights the importance of legal aid clinics for both students as well as empowerment of the community. Finally, this article addresses the need to integrate real-world legal issues into academic training in order to tackle these systemic inequalities and underscores the potential of the education system to act as a catalyst for social justice.