My Experience of the Model Law Commission - Part One

The Model Law Commission, now in its third year, is a youth empowerment project run by Big Voice London and unprecedented in its uniqueness. The project involves AS and A Level students imitating the work of the Law Commission. Over the course of three month, students delve into study of reform of areas of law in four different categories: Commercial Law, Family Law, Criminal Law and Public Law. It concludes with an appearance in Parliament where the students present their proposals of reform to members of the legal profession. Being an A Level student with a passion for the acquisition of knowledge and determination to pursue law as a career, I was thrilled to discover this opportunity. In actual fact it was in asking myself how I could get more involved with the legal field, even at my current level that I came across the Model Law Commission project and applied without hesitation.

Needless to say, my initial thoughts on the Model Law Commission were the opposite of apathetic. My acceptance onto the project left me beyond pleased at the opportunity I would soon be a part of. The project commenced with a two day introductory conference at Middlesex University on the 17th and 18th of October. Looking back I can remember the feeling of nervousness mixed with eagerness, as one would expect when one is about to embark on the unknown. However, as we were separated into our different categories, anxiety and anxiousness were soon replaced with a curiosity for what awaited.

The ongoing project has been nothing less than educating. My group is looking at Family Law and though initially I had been wary of this because it’s such a delicate yet demanding area of law, participating in the project has opened me up to its appeal as a unique area of law where a human touch is not just important or desirable, it’s essential. The point of law in question in my category is surrogacy, which in all honesty I knew very little about. My lack of knowledge on surrogacy was fortunately insignificant. The initial review stage, the beginning of any law reform process, ensured we were educated on the law surrounding surrogacy. So far I have learnt much about the current law on surrogacy with the help of my Group Leaders and guest speakers who are experts in the field. The initial review stage was followed by the consultation stage where we gathered opinion from others about our specific area of law. This stage is particularly important as it forms the foundation on which we rest our proposals for reform. The initial review stage and the consultation stage were fantastic not because I got to learn something new and interesting but because they really did increase my ability and confidence in acquiring and processing information. A skill which is indispensable not just for one opting for a career in law, but also in every profession and even simple day to day activities. As the project unfolds, we the students in our groups continue to grow not just as individuals but as a team. My group consists of a vibrant mixture of bright youths from diverse cultures, backgrounds and with different beliefs and yet we are presently at the stage where we can consolidate our ideas and thoughts on reform in our area of law as an efficient unit.

I’ve often been asked about why I am so passionate about law and why I would want to pursue a legal career. The answer in a somewhat concise form lies between the lines of the Model Law Commission. Law is the realization that although one would hope it is, right and wrong isn’t always black and white and justice is not a static entity. What was once seen as right can be shown to be wrong once knowledge evolves. Law is the understanding that knowledge is power that can change a concrete system. Law is the acceptance that imperfection while unavoidable does not have to be permanent. My passion for law stems from the appreciation of these points which the Model Law Commission works to establish in the minds of the inquisitive youths that partake in its programme. Even though the project is far from over, I can testify to being inspired and encouraged to hold steadfast to my passion for Law. Soon we shall be visited by members of the Law Commission who will teach us how to formulate an official law reform report. Needless to say, I look forward to what more the Model Law Commission has to offer.