Legal Education in Bangladesh: Assessing the Gap Between Pre-Tertiary and Tertiary Learning

Abstract

Education is the pillar of individual and social development, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a sustainable future. In addition, legal education empowers people with knowledge regarding their rights and duties and how the justice system works. The Latin maxim, ‘Ignorantia juris non excusat’ meaning ignorance of the law is not an excuse, also emphasizes the importance of legal awareness. However, in Bangladesh, legal education is confined only to tertiary levels, with limited opportunities for students to acquire basic legal knowledge during pre-tertiary education. This study examines the gap between pre-tertiary and tertiary legal education in Bangladesh using a mixed-method approach that combines survey data with documentary and comparative analysis. Data were collected from 100 LLB students and 12 law faculty members across four universities in Bangladesh. The survey data were analyzed descriptively to examine respondents’ exposure to pre-tertiary legal education and their perceptions of its relevance to LLB studies, while documentary and comparative analysis was used to examine selected approaches to pre-tertiary legal education in other jurisdictions. The findings indicate that 83% of the student respondents had received no legal education at the school or college level, while 93% believed that prior legal education would make LLB study easier. Moreover, 92% supported introducing basic legal education at the pre-tertiary level. The study also explores selected international practices of pre-tertiary legal education to identify relevant policy insights for Bangladesh. The findings suggest that introducing basic legal education at the pre-tertiary level may help students develop foundational legal knowledge and better prepare them for tertiary legal studies. The study therefore recommends introducing age-appropriate legal education in the pre-tertiary curriculum.