The Search for Competence: Implications for Academe

Keywords

The Search for Competence, Implications, Academe, Francis Allen, problem, academic lawyers, dramatic change, law schools, identity crisis, interdisciplinary and humanistic education, legal skills

Abstract

Professor Francis Allen states succinctly the problem which faces academic lawyers in these times of rapid and dramatic change: ... law schools in Canada and the United States are undergoing an identity crisis as they attempt to provide broad interdisciplinary and humanistic education and, at the same time, meet the demands for training in legal skills.' The problem is not new. The statement simply reflects the harsh reality of Canadian legal education: the natural tensions which result from the interdependence of university programs in law and the later processes of admission and continuing education under the jurisdiction of governing bodies. But in describing the situation as a "crisis" Professor Allen emphasizes the fact that a point has been reached where action is required.