More than 300 advocates from Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Dindigul gathered on the Madurai Kamaraj University campus for a programme — ‘Redefining Legal Practice for Advocates-Generation Next’ here on Saturday.
Organised by the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy, it was inaugurated by Justice R. Sudhakar, Judge of Madras High Court.
The programme has been organised for advocates who have been practising for less than 10 years by the judicial academy to sensitise them to legal procedures and improve the bench-bar relationship.
“This sensitisation will also ensure that the decorum of the court is maintained,” said B. Gokuldas, Principal District Judge, Madurai.
Suresh Viswanath, fourth additional district Judge, said that the programme also sought to create awareness of court management.
“Emphasis on allaying fears in expressing themselves among the junior advocates as well as the knowledge of basic facts, which are relevant in their day-to-day functioning in court will be extended,” he said.
The sessions spread across two days will cover different aspects of civil and criminal law. Talking about the inclusion of sessions on ‘Forensic and electronic evidence,’ Mr. Suresh said, “The knowledge of forensics will help them work with cases relating to offences against the human body. We will also delve into newer laws, which include acts concerning information technology so that advocates who haven’t been exposed to such cases get a fair idea”, he stated.
Yoga sessionsSessions on language skills will ensure that the advocates are able to express themselves well in court, the organisers said. Yoga sessions have been scheduled.
The junior advocates will also be addressed on procedural aspects to be followed for different cases. “In the smaller districts, advocates don’t get much opportunity for practice in the field and we want to make them aware of approaching legal battles,” Mr. Gokuldas said.
The judicial academy is also conducting the sensitisation programme in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Puducherry.
Speaking about the programme, Advocate Glory Jeyaraj, a participant, said that such programmes helped them learn from practising advocates, which was very effective and would help them approach legal battles better.