The Gazette 1981

APRIL 1981

GAZETTE

There is the additional danger that, in a course as intensive as this, too much information may be thrust upon the student too quickly, leading to a situation where the student merely receives information without analysing it. Under such circumstances, the student may fail to acquire an objective and critical view of how the law works in practice, which must surely be essential for any competent, discerning solicitor. Finally, the comment may be made that the course "though enlightened in inspiration tends towards the wearisome in the manner of its execution". A routine of compound lectures, tutorials, discussions and exercises eventually takes its toll on the faculties of the students. Perhaps a shorter, less intensive course would be both more acceptable and effective. Looking ahead to the advanced course, it is suggested that while the apprentices are serving their eighteen months in their offices, their views could profitably be sought on the areas of law which they would most like to see covered on the advanced course. Conclusion Notwithstanding these criticisms, the consensus of student opinion seems to favour the course. Possibly the single most important contribution it makes to the apprentices training, is the confidence it gives in their own ability to become a productive unit in the office. Unless this confidence is recognised, appreciated and utilised by masters the apprentice's effort will have been in vain. It is, of course, appreciated that the present courses are still in their infancy and it is hoped that the various weaknesses which must inevitably appear can be identified and cured, to the general good of students and the profession. a) Practice and Procedure: 1) Civil Litigation in all Courts. 2) Criminal Litigation in all Courts. 3) Practical Instructions in the Drawing of Pleadings, Preparation of Cases for Advice. 4) Advocacy in Criminal Proceedings. 5) Family Law. b) Business Law Course: 1) Accountancy. 2) Commercial Law. 3) Company Law and Partnership Law. 4) Bankruptcy, Liquidation and Receiverships. c) Conveyancing: 1) Practical Conveyancing, including the drafting of documents. 2) Land Registry Practice. 3) Applied Landlord and Tenant Law. d) Taxation and Estate Planning: 1) Taxation. 2) Probate and Administration of Estates. 3) Wills and Settlements, including the drafting thereof. APPENDIX I CONTENT OF THE COURSE

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under a certain R.V.; a prohibition on the acquisition without Land Commission consent of agricultural land exceeding five acres by any person or body and the creation of a "Priority List" of qualified farmers who it is considered should be entitled to purchase additional land, with or without financial assistance. It is envisaged that the existing provisions of Section 45 of the Land Act, 1965, will remain with regard to the purchase of land by nationals of countries outside the E.E.C. At the recent I.A.V.I. Seminar, Mr. Paddy Lane, immediate past-president of the I.F.A., pointed to a number of adverse consequences which he considered must inevitably result from the Government's proposals. Not only would land values fall, but it would become impossible to value land in any part of the country. Mr. Lane offered his own proposals for a land reform policy, which may seem to some to be open to as much objec- tion as those of the Inter-Departmental Committee and of the Government. One thing is, however, clear; the White Paper cannot be ignored; the I.A.V.I. and Mr. Paddy Lane have uttered the first, strong, public words in a debate upon what is probably the most important single issue in the State. That debate must be made continue at the highest and most informed level and it is a debate in which the solicitors' profession must surely be qualified to play a significant role.

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