Deconstructing Myths about Interdisciplinarity – is now the time to rethink interdisciplinarity in legal education?

Abstract

The article wishes to present an argument about how interdisciplinary modules can enhance legal education. This argument is developed against the back drop of major disruption in higher education and transformation in legal education. Following a definition of interdisciplinarity, the benefits of this method are analysed and demonstrated through practical examples from an interdisciplinary pilot module based in a UK Law programme. Some selected issues from Equality law will be used to demonstrate how an interdisciplinary approach has enabled students to look more critically at what the law chooses to protect and the ways in which laws are drafted and applied. Such enhanced learning outcomes from interdisciplinary legal education can support the re-calibration of legal education and complement the traditional doctrinal approach to legal education. It is argued that experiences and good practice from comparative law can provide inspiration for the strengthening of interdisciplinary legal education.