Today(on 13th July),Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of translating legal language into simpler terms during his address at the 3rd Convocation of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow. He urged educators to teach legal principles in a way that is easily understandable, including in regional languages.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 13th July), Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, underscored the critical need to translate legal language into simpler terms to make it accessible to the general public. Speaking at the 3rd Convocation of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow, CJI Chandrachud highlighted how the complexities of legalese often hinder common citizens’ understanding of laws that directly impact their lives.
Emphasizing the role of legal educators, CJI Chandrachud called on law university teachers nationwide to ensure that legal principles are taught in a manner that is easily comprehensible, including in regional languages.
He said-
“I frequently engage with my colleagues and educators nationwide on how to teach law in straightforward terms. While we effectively teach constitutional rules and principles in English, there’s a challenge in explaining them comfortably in regional languages. Failing to simplify legal principles for the public reveals shortcomings in legal education and profession, impacting vulnerable segments of society.”
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath, Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
CJI Chandrachud pointed out the disconnect that arises when citizens cannot grasp the discussions and proceedings in courtrooms, stating that this gap leads to a significant barrier between the judiciary and the litigants. To bridge this gap, he noted that the Supreme Court has begun translating its judgments from English into vernacular languages to benefit the general populace.
“If an individual, due to economic or social hardship, cannot afford a lawyer to bring a case to court, they have the right to free legal aid. Similarly, if someone facing a legal case is unable to hire a lawyer and is sent to jail, our Constitution ensures they receive free legal assistance. However, if we fail to explain these rights clearly and simply, these provisions remain incomplete.”
-CJI Chandrachud explained.
The Chief Justice’s remarks come at a time when there is a growing awareness about the need to democratize legal knowledge. He emphasized that the failure to simplify legal terms and principles not only reflects poorly on the legal profession but also fails the citizens, particularly the weaker sections of society, who rely on clear understanding to navigate their legal rights and obligations.
In a recent address, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) shed light on several critical issues concerning legal education and the judicial system, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and modernization. His speech underlined the barriers the general public faces due to a lack of English literacy, which hampers their understanding of basic rights and legal provisions.
The CJI called upon legal educators to ensure that students are taught in a manner that incorporates local contexts and legal terminology.
He stressed-
“In many countries worldwide, legal education and proceedings are conducted in regional languages, enabling all citizens to access the legal system and pursue careers as lawyers and judges.”
By integrating local contexts into legal education, the CJI believes that future lawyers can be more socially responsible and better equipped to address community issues.
He elaborated-
“By effectively teaching students the fundamental principles of law alongside local context and legal terminology, we can cultivate socially responsible lawyers who genuinely comprehend the issues and concerns of their local communities.”
This approach, according to the CJI, is crucial for cultivating a legal workforce that is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic to the needs of the society they serve.
Moreover, the CJI advocated for the use of technology to enhance access to justice and streamline legal proceedings.
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Reflecting on the past, he remarked-
“My fellow judges and I were once bound by traditional methods of adjudication, relying on cumbersome paper files.”
However, he noted the significant advancements that have been made, stating-
“Today, courts have adopted technology to enhance access to justice and bring litigants closer to the courtroom.”
Highlighting the dynamic nature of the legal field, the CJI pointed out that staying updated with evolving areas of law, such as artificial intelligence and technology-related disputes, is essential.
“Likewise, we remain current on evolving areas of law that have undergone significant changes since our days as law students and lawyers, including matters related to artificial intelligence and technology disputes.”
-he added.
