The Gazette 1981

GAZETTE

APRIL 1981

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.

APPENDIX I

CONTENT OF THE

COURSE

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.

C o m m e n t . . .

Continued from page 27

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.

Gill andMacmillan

Principles of Irish Law

Brian Doolan

An introductory, up-to-date survey of

Irish law which will be an invaluable

handbook for students of law, business,

accountancy, marketing and banking as

well as for those engaged in commercial

and professional careers. All cases

discussed and referred to in the book

(with six exceptions) have been decided

in Irish courts.

£6.30

Gill and Macmillan

15-17 Eden Quay, Dublin 1