Declining democratic principles, and law's role in promoting civic education

Law schools have a duty to create good citizens who uphold the rule of law, particularly at a time of significant sociocultural and political change (and unrest). Such duties cannot be ignored, one dean says, as universities balance all other aspects of students' legal education.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Professor Catherine Renshaw, dean of the law school at Western Sydney University, about her legal career, how her background in private practice serves her now in academia, the need for law schools to prepare the next generation to be good civic servants, and the decline of democratic principles across the globe.

Renshaw also delves into the nexus between a law graduate's ability to serve to the best of their abilities and having trust and faith in the system as a citizen, how motivated Australian deans are to help graduates do their civic duty, how best they can create the right culture, how students can be "practice ready", ensuring students are upskilled on AI, and her optimism for Western Sydney University.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [e-mail]