UKZN’S Law Clinic and Street Law Enhances the Legal Skills of High School Pupils

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High school pupils from disadvantaged communities in Groutville, Stanger recently visited UKZN’s Law Clinic to explore and develop their legal skills ahead of their Moot Court Competition for High Schools in KwaDukuza.

The competition is organised by the Luthuli Museum and affords pupils an exceptional opportunity to assume different roles in a typical court proceeding and to argue a fictional case at the Stanger Magistrate Court.

The competition is part of the Museum’s community outreach initiatives which aim to create greater awareness in schools and communities (mostly disadvantaged communities) about the Justice System, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and to encourage gifted young learners to consider pursuing a career in law.

To prepare for the competition, learners pictured, from Nonhlevu Secondary School, Groutville High School, Stanger South High School and Stanger High School spent an entire Saturday with Law students from UKZN where they received guidance and participated jointly with the Law students in a mock trial assisted by the staff of the Law Clinic and Street Law.

The Museum’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Zinhle Nyembe said that the collaboration with UKZN’s School of Law fitted in perfectly with their community upliftment programme as both the Law Clinic and Street Law are themselves involved in legal assistance and right’s awareness programmes in various communities.

‘The Law Clinic is a team of organised legal professionals who added great value to the whole idea,’ she said.

The Moot Court Competition is expected to take place later this year.

-          Thandiwe Jumo