APIIT Law School students studying for an internal British LL.B (Hons) Law degree from Staffordshire University take part in a range of extra-curricular activities to enhance the students' learning experience and provide exposure to the practice of Law.

"I thought it was an amazing and wonderful experience. We got familiar with the proceedings of the High Court." - Benazeer Hassan, APIIT Law Student

APIIT Law School organises regular court visits to give students an opportunity to follow actual court proceedings so that they learn how Sri Lankan courts function in practice. Students have the opportunity to observe cases being argued in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. Before setting out on a court visit, students learn about the court structure in Sri Lanka and familiarise themselves with the facts of the cases they are to follow in court. At the end of the court session, they are sometimes fortunate enough to speak informally with the Prosecutor and the Defence Counsel or the Counsel representing the parties in a civil action.

In the High Court, which is a Trial Court of the original jurisdiction, students are able to follow a criminal trial relating to a serious crime such as rape, murder, narcotics or offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. At the Court of Appeal, students are able to view proceedings relating to the appeal of a verdict or sentence in cases of murder. At the Supreme Court, they have followed a number of Fundamental Rights cases brought under Article 126 of the Constitution and also appeals from the Court of Appeal.

The students learn about the significance of the special attire of the Judge, Police Officer, Crier, Jury and Counsel and are briefed on court room behaviour. Students can observe the proceedings silently and respectfully but cannot ask questions or react to the proceedings, nor speak with the accused or the witnesses.

"During court visits we noticed how passionate the lawyers were. They all had such individual styles with regard to proving points, manner of questioning witnesses and court etiquette." - Nethmini Perera, APIIT Law student

Before embarking on this practical learning exercise, students receive instruction on the rudiments of the concept of Contempt of Court. They are exposed to the facts of Morris v Crown Office, where students sang and shouted slogans in Welsh language and disturbed and interrupted the proceedings of court. The case of Reginald Perera v King is used to teach students of the instances where acts calculated to disturb the orderly conduct of court can bring a court or judge into disrepute.

Visiting court and observing proceedings is invaluable to those studying law as the students have the opportunity of seeing for themselves how the law is interpreted and applied in real life.APIIT's own moot court to facilitate practical learning

Discover the Lawyer in You!
APIIT Law School will be conducting an Information Seminar on its LL.B (Hons) programme and the advantages of studying Law at APIIT Law School on Thursday August 18 2011 at 5.00pm. All interested parents and prospective students are invited to attend, view our state-of-the-art facilities and meet with academic and management staff.

Register now! Contact us on 0112675060 or info@apiit.lk.
APIIT Law School
Level 3, Access Towers No 278, Union Place, Colombo 2.