FACULTY OF LAW & FORENSIC SCIENCE
Despite the noble objectives of law education, the current educational scenario of India faces issues due to outdated curriculum, ill-equipped private law colleges, limited employment opportunities to name a few. And adding to these woes are lack of emphasis on research and innovation, coupled with shortage of qualified and motivated teachers. Taking all these factors into consideration, and with a clear vision of working towards significant reforms, the Faculty of Law & Forensic Science was started at the Apex Professional University.
Apex Professional University in a Nutshell
A statutory University established by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh under Act 07 of 2013, and recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD, APU is designated as a State Private University. APU is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and holds approvals from regulatory bodies including the Council of Architecture (CoA), Bar Council of India (BCI), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE).
Part of the Apex Education Group, Apex Professional University embodies the visionary ideals of Revered Acharya Dhanwant Singh to establish a pioneering Gurukul rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), akin to ancient Gurukuls such as Nalanda and Taxila. APU is committed to research-driven education and upholds its core institutional values by integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with Contemporary Knowledge Systems (CKS). Located in the eco-friendly Pasighat campus, APU strives to blend traditional wisdom with modern educational practices.
Empowering Future Legal Leaders
Head, Faculty of Law & Forensic Science
To understand the essence of the Faculty of Law and Forensic Science at APU and its distinctive approach to providing high quality legal education, we conducted an interview with Dr. Jyotsna Raj, the Head, Faculty of Law & Forensic Science. Here’s an insight into our discussion.
- What are the various programs offered?
Programs include LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws), Integrated B.A.LL.B, LL.M. (Master of Laws), B.Sc. (Forensic Science), M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice), M.B.A. (Business Law), M.A. (Human Rights), and Ph.D. (Law).
- How technologically advanced are the programs offered?
We leverage IT for administration, management, and teaching methods, including online modules for assignments and presentations, ensuring our students are adept with modern learning tools.
- What makes Apex Professional University unique in legal education?
Our curriculum is rooted in Indian knowledge systems (Bharatiya Gyan Parampara), fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and comprehensive understanding among students. We emphasize practical and theoretical excellence, enhancing their presentation, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. A unique aspect is our use of ‘Tatva’ analysis to tailor teaching methods based on students’ dominant traits.
- How does the university select and develop its faculty members?
Faculty recruitment follows UGC norms, prioritizing NETqualified candidates with PhDs and extensive teaching experience. We ensure continuous faculty development through research, quarterly reporting, and regular participation in workshops, lectures, and collaborations with legal professionals. Following the interview with Dr. Jyotsna Raj, let’s delve further into The Faculty of Law and Forensic Science at APU.
A Hub of Comprehensive Training and Support
Ensuring rigorous practical training and comprehensive academic support to nurturing adept legal professionals, all the students at APU participate in mandatory internships spanning 20 weeks (LLB) and 12 weeks (LLM). These industry opportunities are complemented by court visits, moot court competitions, and intra/inter-university events that simulate real-world legal scenarios.
Furthermore, APU hosts annual events such as Foundation Week, featuring sports, literary contests, and departmental competitions, fostering holistic student development. Regular seminars, symposiums, and conferences enrich the co-curricular experience, providing platforms for intellectual exchange and skill enhancement.
A dedicated mentorship program supports students through personal and academic challenges, ensuring their well-being and holistic development throughout their academic journey. Also, towards facilitating admissions from students across Dr Jyotsna Raj Head, Faculty of Law & Forensic Science the socio-economic spectrum, the university offers various scholarships, including the NE Scholarship, APST Stipend, and Post-Matric Scholarship, tailored to students based on academic merit and financial need.
Driving Social Change
In order to carry out the directions of the National Legal Services Authorities Act and Scheme, the Faculty of Law and Forensic Science at APU has created a Legal Aid Clinic in partnership with the AP State Legal Service Authority and the Nyayabandhu scheme under Ministry Law of justice. The objective of this effort is to offer economically disadvantaged individuals and marginalized groups pro bono legal aid. The clinic runs legal awareness initiatives to inform the economically disadvantaged and illiterate residents of outlying communities close to the law school about their rights and obligations as well as their access to government-funded social assistance programs.
Faculty of Law & Forensic Science APU Law College, Pasighat’s Legal Aid Clinic operates through three specialized cells:
- Right to Information Cell: Educating the public about their right to information to enhance transparency in governance and accountability of public funds.
- Legal Awareness Cell: Promoting legal literacy among the populace to combat exploitation and ensure equitable access to rights and benefits.
- Women Empowerment Cell: Addressing challenges related to women’s rights and empowerment in India through advocacy and support initiatives.
All in all, we can conclude that APU strives as a dedicated hotspot of cultivating leaders through robust educational programs that prepare students for global careers, as confident individuals and responsible citizens of this great country.
