New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce legal studies at school level from the upcoming academic session 2013-14. After the implementation of this new decision, legal studies will be offered as an elective subject at 10+2 level.
Initially, the programme will be offered as a pilot project at 200 schools in India and abroad and thereafter further decision will be taken on the basis of its outcome. As per sources, Schools are expected to start teaching the subject in class XI from June 2013.
Vineet Joshi, CBSE Chairman has said that legal education is the backbone of a cultured and civilized society and helps us to understand our rights. Also, it has emerged as a bright career option in today’s liberal society. He further added that the board has taken this move after a lot of brainstorming with scholars and experts. In its letter dated April 5, 2013, the board has also written to schools interested in offering legal studies to submit their expression of interest by April 20. The course in the first year will be offered on first cum, first serve basis.
Moreover, the subject will include teaching of theory and nature of political institutions, nature and sources of law, historical evolution of Indian legal system, civil and criminal courts and processes, family justice system, arbitration, tribunal adjudication and alternate dispute resolution, human rights in India, international context and legal profession in India.
Through this course, the board strives to inculcate the competitive edge into the students so as they could prepare for a career in law. Learning legal studies at school level will also give them idea about the concept of law and its necessities for every citizen.
