India’s Bar Council Mandates Biometric Attendance, Criminal Background Checks for Law Students

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has implemented stringent new regulations for law students, including mandatory biometric attendance, criminal background checks, and restrictions on employment during studies. These measures are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in legal education, addressing concerns about student conduct, and ensuring adherence to academic standards.

India’s Legal Education System Adapts to New Criminal Laws

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed law schools across India to incorporate new criminal laws enacted in July 2024 into their curriculum. The changes include training in mediation and a focus on emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. This move aims to equip future lawyers with the skills needed to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

LSAT 2024 Results Announced by Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE, the official administrator of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in India, has released the results for the 2024 exam. The scorecards are now available online at lsatindia.in, providing candidates with their scaled scores and percentile ranks. The LSAT, which was conducted from May 16-19, evaluates candidates’ analytical and logical reasoning skills, as well as their reading comprehension. Candidates must log in using their registration number and password to access their results. The LSAT scores are valid for five years and are recognized by numerous prestigious law colleges in India.

Mediation: A Transformative Shift in Dispute Resolution

India’s Mediation Act, 2023, is revolutionizing dispute resolution by promoting amicable settlements through mediation. The act formalizes mediation and includes various forms, such as pre-litigation, court-annexed, online, and community mediation. Mediation is seen as a synergistic approach to traditional legal procedures, fostering open dialogue and reconciliation. However, barriers to skill development exist, including the current requirement of 15 years of professional experience for mediators. To address this, innovative training methods like co-mediation and shadow mediation should be incorporated into the Mediation Act, 2023, alongside a structured mediation training module in law school curriculum. By empowering the next generation of mediators and integrating mediation into legal education, India can cultivate a robust mediation culture and enhance the efficiency and harmony of its justice system.

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