Legal System's Pervasive Impact on Society

The following sample essay on “Legal system”: it is tasking for me to find another field of study that so profoundly pervades society and humanity. After having a first-hand experience of the fairness of our legal system, wherein I had to appeal to stay in the UK, it became apparent to me just how much laws can affect our lives. Despite since gaining my British citizenship, I often marvel at how hugely different my life would be if not for the mercy of the judge that day and our legal system.

That day served as a crucial turning point in my life as it fuelled my desire to change lives for the better the way mine was changed, wielding the law as my tool. I want to study law, to gain not only, an understanding of the fundamental precepts for human relationships – but also to advocate for the vulnerable. Whilst I am eager to learn about all aspects of law, from torts to criminal law, the area of law that piques my interest most is family law.

Areas within family law such as custody battles and divorces particularly intrigue me as I look forward to challenges and finding innovative ways to overcome them, ultimately as a courtroom barrister. To keep abreast of legal affairs, I read an article in The Guardian about the 2012 legal Aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders Act that abolished legal aid for civil disputes including private family cases. Expecting parents with limited knowledge of the law to represent themselves in a system built for lawyers struck me as an injustice- one I can attempt to tackle as a lawyer by taking on pro-bobo cases for those who cannot afford legal fees.

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Studying history has meant that I have acquired a range of historical knowledge including a sense of development and evolution of laws over time. For example: after studying America from 1945-1980 there is a clear but gradual change in the law, mainly regarding human rights. As attitudes towards African Americans shifted, they gained more rights and recognition under the law. Through studying history, I have learned to evaluate critically the significance of primary and contemporary sources whilst assessing their value to a historian. Being able to articulate ideas clearly is vital and as such, I have been able to refine my essay writing skills. This includes being able to convey my point eloquently yet concisely. History A-level also demands that a justified conclusion is reached based on the overall weight of the evidence – a skill that is particularly suited to the law profession. As a way to combine both my historical knowledge and interest in law, I took part in a debate at Manchester University on the unsolved scandal of Anne Boleyn’s infidelity. I believe that the amalgamation of societal and psychological aspects must coincide if society is to function well. Studying sociology has given me an insight into a range of theories such as Marxism, functionalism and feminism. This highlighted to me the complexity of society and revealed how the law changes to accommodate societal changes in beliefs. Psychology taught me to value empirical approaches. Combining the concepts of Bowlby’s continuity hypothesis, Ainsworth’s attachment theory and Parson’s Primary socialisation I have a better understanding of why caregiver sensitivity in infancy is crucial for society as it forms the basis of social roles, norms and universalistic values which stabilise society. This combination of A-level courses complements a law degree as they form an understanding of how the state of society influences which laws are passed. Stanford economist, Professor Jackson says that laws that do not reflect social norms are ineffective. Doing a one-week work experience at a solicitor’s firm, I gained confidence in my communication skills from making client phone calls and attending meetings. From writing letters to court and emails to opposing council, I learned legal etiquette. Having to skim read large case files in preparation for a meeting on short notice taught me how to quickly grasp a concept; understand legal terminology and work under pressure. Studying law on a summer school at Cambridge University has developed my confidence in lecture-based learning. Taking part in a mock trial at Cambridge enhanced my confidence to speak publicly; think critically and argue persuasively.