100 likes | 231 Views
Teaching legal ethics to law students. Juan P. Beca. Reflections from a given experience. Catholic University Mandatory course for all the students at the University The course depends on the Theological Studies Institute for all careers. Juan P. Beca. A little history.
E N D
Teaching legal ethics to law students Juan P. Beca
Reflections from a given experience • Catholic University • Mandatory course for all the students at the University • The course depends on the Theological Studies Institute for all careers Juan P. Beca
A little history • An opportunity rather than an imposition to law school. • 2004 curricular plan- oriented to professional practice • Competencies Juan P. Beca
Ethical education as a hallmark • We care for values • Lawyers deal with people in vulnerable situation Juan P. Beca
A “professional ethics” course • Taught by two academics, from the Theological Institute and from the Law School • First part theoretical and second practical • Based on learning rather than teaching • Goal is to educate autonomy to make decisions Juan P. Beca
Discernment • SEE – JUDGE – ACT methodology • Similar to what a judge should do in a case: KNOW – JUDGE – ENFORCE • Students can: • Comprehend a problem • Be aware of the reasons why they make a decision • Act according to their own values • BE COHERENT AND CONSISTENT Juan P. Beca
Need of a context • Given by Clinics and professors’ experiences • Much more valuable students’ own experiences • Need to link Clinics with the course Juan P. Beca
Difficulties and challenges • Faculty relies on this particular course • Students are not prepared to recognize ethical dilemmas • Build an ethical conscience on students Juan P. Beca