Short description:

This insightful book discusses how law schools engage with the public to develop their understanding of the law. It shows that effective engagement necessitates recognising the people involved as a shared community, working towards both individual and collective goals.

Long description:

This insightful book discusses how law schools engage with the public to expand the public?s understanding of the law. It shows that effective engagement is achieved through recognising the university and the public as part of a shared community, working towards both individual and collective goals.

Peter Smith explores the concept of public engagement and the methods employed by the law schools that partake in it. By examining the historical roles of universities and law schools, he develops a model of engagement, detailing the organisation, ideas, choices and values of these institutions. This unique book demonstrates that public engagement is a vital aspect of the work of law schools, and advocates for a relationship between these establishments and the public that values the expertise, experiences and requirements of both parties.

Researchers and educators with an interest in legal education, pedagogy and law and society will greatly benefit from this innovative book. It will also be a crucial reference for those who are researching the role of universities in society and public engagement with higher education institutions.

?A comprehensive examination of the historical, theoretical, and practical justification for public engagement by law schools, Peter Smith?s The Public Understanding of Law is a must-read for professors and decision-makers involved in law school-based public legal education and community engagement.?