Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Law program at P K University Shivpuri is structured to ensure a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The program spans three years, divided into six semesters, with each semester designed to build upon previous learning experiences.
The foundation year focuses on introducing students to the basic principles of law, enabling them to develop critical thinking skills and analytical reasoning abilities essential for legal practice. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, students are exposed to various branches of law including constitutional law, torts, criminal law, property law, and administrative law.
In the second year, the curriculum shifts towards more specialized areas such as contract law, family law, evidence law, and corporate governance. Students are encouraged to participate in moot court competitions, which enhance their advocacy skills and provide real-world exposure to courtroom procedures. These activities also foster teamwork, public speaking, and argumentation techniques crucial for legal professionals.
The third year allows students to explore advanced topics through elective courses tailored to their interests and career goals. Electives include international law, human rights law, environmental law, intellectual property law, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This stage also includes a mandatory internship component where students gain hands-on experience in legal practice environments such as law firms, government departments, or NGOs.
Core Subjects and Course Structure
The core curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal principles and practices. Each subject is taught by experienced faculty members who combine academic excellence with practical insights from their professional careers.
First Year Courses:
- Legal Methodology
- Constitutional Law I
- Tort Law
- Criminal Law I
- Property Law
Second Year Courses:
- Constitutional Law II
- Contract Law
- Family Law
- Evidence Law
- Administrative Law
Third Year Courses:
- Corporate Law
- Human Rights Law
- Environmental Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Law
- Criminal Justice System
- Dispute Resolution
- Labor & Employment Law
- Banking Law
- Healthcare Law
Each course carries a specific credit structure (L-T-P-C) indicating lecture hours, tutorial hours, practical sessions, and credits. Prerequisites are clearly defined for each course to ensure proper sequencing and conceptual understanding.
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers a wide array of advanced elective courses designed to meet the evolving demands of the legal profession. These electives are taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields and bring current industry insights into the classroom.
- Law and Economics: This course explores how economic principles can be applied to understand legal rules and institutions. It covers topics such as efficiency, property rights, and regulation from an economic perspective.
- Philosophy of Law: Students examine fundamental questions about the nature of law, justice, and rights through the lens of classical and contemporary philosophers.
- Public International Law: The course provides an in-depth understanding of international legal norms, institutions, and processes governing relations between states.
- Digital Rights & Cybersecurity: This elective focuses on emerging challenges posed by digital technologies and their implications for individual privacy, freedom of expression, and national security.
- Climate Change Law: Students learn about the legal mechanisms used to address climate change, including international agreements, domestic legislation, and judicial interventions.
- Gender Justice & Legal Reform: The course analyzes gender-based discrimination in legal systems and explores pathways for reforming laws that perpetuate inequality.
- Law and Technology: This subject examines how advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology are reshaping the legal landscape and creating new regulatory challenges.
- Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility: The course covers ethical standards expected of legal professionals, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and professional conduct rules.
- Advanced Evidence Law: This course delves into complex issues related to admissibility, relevance, and weight of evidence in court proceedings.
- Comparative Constitutional Law: Through comparative analysis, students study constitutional frameworks from different countries and evaluate their effectiveness in protecting fundamental rights.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes hands-on experience and critical reflection. Students are required to complete mini-projects in each semester that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Mini-projects typically involve analyzing a legal issue or case study, conducting research, and presenting findings to peers and faculty members. These projects often involve collaboration with external stakeholders such as NGOs or legal aid organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and practical exposure.
The final-year capstone project or thesis is a comprehensive endeavor where students select a topic of personal interest within the field of law and conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The evaluation criteria include the depth of analysis, clarity of presentation, adherence to academic standards, and contribution to existing legal discourse.
Project selection is done through a structured process involving interest-based workshops, faculty consultations, and proposal submissions. Students are encouraged to propose projects that align with their career aspirations or areas of personal curiosity. Faculty mentors are assigned based on expertise in the chosen topic area, ensuring high-quality supervision and mentorship throughout the project lifecycle.