Social Distancing Norms, Covid Protocol and Precautionary Measures have become buzzwords in the last two years. For months, we have learned to live by following the norms of social distancing. Social distancing measures are considered as one of the most powerful methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
As we return to normalcy and schools, colleges, offices, and our favorite stores reopen, we must remember the value of social distancing norms take appropriate measures in diverse circumstances.
Most of the organisations have adapted well to the new normal, which requires them to adopt the measures which are best suited to prevent the spread of the virus. For example, many businesses are creating pandemic preparation checklists as part of a comprehensive strategy to resist the spread of COVID-19 and maintain workplace social distance standards.
If we talk about the legal arena, in the pandemic period, Indian courts have also adopted measures suitable for implementing social distancing norms while keeping in mind that the judicial functions do not come to a complete halt. This has been done by initiating online/hybrid models to continue serving the population.
Social Distancing in Legal Practices – An Overview
Several webinars on justice delivery, technology, and prospects have been organized in the recent past to assess the impact of lockdown and the Pandemic on judicial functioning. The conversations have centered on addressing the points towards the advantages, challenges, and opportunities presented by the Covid induced measures taken by the legal institutions. Further, the restoration of normalcy has also impacted judicial functioning, which has resulted in attorneys and litigants swarming the courts.
In our post-covid legal system, there is a possibility of three types of courts:
First are the traditional courts with judges, attorneys, and litigants physically present and following social distancing in court complexes.
Second, there are online courts where the judge is present in the court, but the lawyer or litigant is not. The lawyers and litigants may present their case from the VC mediums.
Third, virtual courts without a judge, lawyers, or litigants. Here, the decisions are arrived at based on the litigant’s inputs. For example, Judges in Punjab and Haryana recorded the expert testimony of doctors from PGIMER to VC is recorded in the online courts.
Online functioning has saved the government and litigants a massive amount of money by allowing lawyers, judges, experts, and witnesses to avoid time-consuming trips to the courts. There have been various successes stories, but it will take a deliberate and persistent effort to popularize online courts at the district level.
Some high court judges in Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana abandoned paper use, relying instead on electronic filing and scanned papers. Lawyers and judges have made the required modifications to the new system, and cases are being heard and resolved in “paperless courts,” which are more convenient.
In the past, virtual courts have not taken off without a clear need. That opportunity has presented itself due to the Pandemic. The virtual court system has the potential to be expanded, and the same may be utilized for adjudicating the minor offenses that carry fines, such as cases relating to late payments of municipal taxes or compoundable crimes.
It will relieve the strain on traditional courts, and it must be heavily supported in the post-covid era.
Law Education in post Pandemic Era
Before COVID-19, online education and related technology have experienced rapid development and usage. According to various researches, online learning enhances information retention and saves time. These positives of the Pandemic are here to stay in the arena of legal education as well. The online teaching and learning processes may lead to various advantages such as:
Teachers may use various online learning materials, such as videos, PDFs, and podcasts, as part of their lesson planning. As a result, teachers may become more efficient educators by using internet resources in their lesson preparations in addition to traditional textbooks.
Another advantage of online education is that students can attend classes from the convenience of home. Further, it will enable schools to reach out to a more extensive network of students rather than be limited by geographical limits.
There are lower risks of pupils missing lectures because online classes may be attended from home or other locations.
The online learning system may be customized with various options and resources. Therefore, it is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student.
Colleges like the Institute of Law, Nirma University, or ILNU have adopted online learning and social distancing to ensure regular high-quality education while maintaining the safety of their students.
For students who want to follow a comprehensive curriculum employing rich educational resources in a dynamic and creative learning environment, ILNU boasts an unrivaled level of programs and academic facilities. In addition, the curriculum at ILNU is updated and amended regularly to reflect changing legal and environmental changes in the country.
ILNU uses various teaching methods, including Simulation Exercises, Case Analysis, Presentations, Projects, and more, to keep students engaged in the classroom and disseminate knowledge.
Apart from that, ILNU’s well-equipped infrastructure allows students to research from a fully computerized Library Resource Center. It has many business databases, virtual legal databases, company annual reports, Law Journals, and other resources. Nirma University and its constituent institutions have received an ‘A’ grade from NAAC for meeting the organisation’s quality requirements.
The ILNU performs at its best in educational processes and results, including curriculum, teaching-learning, evaluation, faculty, research, infrastructure, learning resources, organization, governance, financial health, and student service.
So, visit ILNU now to learn law from the experts and give your career a head start!