THE VALUE OF AN LLB: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND ENGLAND AND WALES

Abstract

As the mother of all law degrees in the common law world, the LLB of England and Wales has evolved over a number of centuries in order to reflect the changing nature of the practice of law and the increasing societal necessity for a general university education. Similarly, the provision of the LLB within New Zealand has likewise grown to reflect the nature of New Zealand as a strong and independent nation with a well‐developed legal profession. In relation to the provision of post‐degree legal training, New Zealand has much to learn from the positive initiatives in place in England and Wales. However, conversely it is our contention that there is much for New Zealand to avoid and the system of England and Wales to learn from the dilution of the English and Welsh LLB. 1 Dr Chris Gallavin LLB (Hons) (Cantuar), PhD (Hull). Chris is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. 2 Richard Scragg LLM (Cantuar), Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Richard is an Asso...