Mid-West University to Pioneer a Clinical Legal Education Program

Surkhet, 10 October 2023 - In a bid to promote practical knowledge and contribute to the legal ecosystem, Mid-West University (MU) announces the launch of a clinical legal education program. The initiative falls under its Faculty of Law, aiming to amplify research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Program Overview and Aim

The groundbreaking clinical legal education program collaborates with the project dedicated to elevating access to justice via institutional transformation. The initiative encourages students to immerse themselves in the community, understand its legal challenges, and propose viable solutions.

Surendra Adhikari, Director of Mid-West University School of Law, remarked, "Our students are set to explore 15 local levels in five Karnali districts, culminating their findings in an insightful on-site study report." The undertaking involves 50 law students from four semesters embarking on real-time field research.

Adhikari emphasized, "The core intent is to bridge the students with community-centric legal issues. Through these efforts, we anticipate enhancing legal literacy and rendering invaluable aid to the community."

Research Areas and Implications

Students will delve deep into pressing matters, including:

• Rape incidents and its aftermath
• Untouchability and caste-based discrimination
• Domestic violence and its socio-economic impact
• Wage disparities
• The narcotics crisis and its societal implications

These investigations aim to:

• Evaluate the efficacy of existing policies
• Recommend necessary legal amendments
• Propel the formulation of comprehensive new laws

Localities Under Focus

Research areas span various regions, encompassing Gurans, Naumule Rural Municipality, Aathbis Municipality of Dailekh, Chedagad, Bheri, Nalgad Municipality, and more. Integral to the program, legal aid camps, awareness drives, assistance in judicial committee proceedings, and in-depth studies targeting marginalized communities are slated. Students will also extend legal counseling.

Upcoming Steps

Iman Sunar, leading the Access to Justice Enhancement Project through institutional reform, shed light on the forthcoming phases. "Detailed plans are in place to ensure students, segregated into distinct groups, can conduct on-ground studies seamlessly," he said.

The university’s venture resonates with its commitment to creating a harmonious blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applicability, thereby fostering a future generation of legal professionals well-versed with ground realities.