The Public Understanding of Law: The University and Public Engagement(Elgar Studies in Legal Education)

This insightful book discusses how law schools engage with the public to expand the public’s understanding of the law. It shows that effective engagement is achieved through recognising the university and the public as part of a shared community, working towards both individual and collective goals. Peter Smith explores the concept of public engagement and the methods employed by the law schools that partake in it. By examining the historical roles of universities and law schools, he develops a model of engagement, detailing the organisation, ideas, choices and values of these institutions. This unique book demonstrates that public engagement is a vital aspect of the work of law schools, and advocates for a relationship between these establishments and the public that values the expertise, experiences and requirements of both parties. Researchers and educators with an interest in legal education, pedagogy and law and society will greatly benefit from this innovative book. It will also be a crucial reference for those who are researching the role of universities in society and public engagement with higher education institutions.

Table of Contents:
Contents 1 Introduction to The Public Understanding of Law 1 2 The history and roles of the university and law school 29 3 Engagement: history and meaning 65 4 The context and delivery of public engagement 85 5 Publics and the law 116 6 Understanding the law 137 7 Engagement in the law school 158 8 Models of engagement 177 9 Imaginaries of engagement 202 10 Looking back, looking ahead 215 Index 228

About the Author :
Peter Smith, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Review :
‘A comprehensive examination of the historical, theoretical, and practical justification for public engagement by law schools, Peter Smith’s The Public Understanding of Law is a must-read for professors and decision-makers involved in law school-based public legal education and community engagement.’ ‘The publication of this book marks a timely and valuable addition to existing literature. The social utility of universities and their departments has come under scrutiny before but to date there has not been an in-depth examination of the purpose of law schools beyond the extent to which they produce those who may later pursue legal careers. What role they can play in terms of societal engagement and the advancement of legal education more generally is carefully and comprehensively addressed including examples of how that might and can be delivered.’