Law students can now follow bar course locally |06 February 2014

Law students can now follow their bar course in Seychelles following the official launch of the Law Vocational Bar Course at the University of Seychelles’ Anse Royale campus.

Present to introduce the programme were the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the UniSey Dr Justin Valentin, along with vice-chancellor Professor Hardy and head of programmes Dr Ganesh.

The vocational bar course is a preparation to becoming a lawyer and practicing law. It contains both practical and theoretical elements, but with a heavier emphasis on practical, giving the students the chance to experience moot courts and observe real court sessions.

The course will be administered by the UniSey on behalf of the Chief Justice’s Office, meaning the programme will be run by the UniSey’s Faculty of Humanities under the auspices of Supreme Court officials.

With the introduction of the new vocational course, those who do not have the possibility to go abroad for their bar training will, for the first time, have the option to study in Seychelles.

For the moment law students are following an international programme with the University of London, a first degree called an LLB (Legum Baccalaureus or Bachelor of Laws). The 10 students who had previously done their LLB last year and graduated started the bar vocational course at the UniSey on Monday this week.

After the course’s official launch last week, the students got the chance to put some of their knowledge into practice in a simulated court proceeding called a moot court. Mooting is the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem against an opposing counsel and before a judge. It is perhaps the closest experience that a student can have while at university to appearing in court.

By next year, professionals who already have their first degree will have the option of joining the bar vocational course if they please.