‘Law and Language: A Student’s Perspective’ is Mr.

Akshat Agarwal’s account of one of the courses

taught to the first-year law students of National Law University by Prof. (Dr.) Prasannanshu. Mr.
Agarwal begins the account by describing the multifaceted aspects of language that humankind has
used and will continue to use in the future. He argues that the gift of language, whether it be used in
trading perspectives and ideas, expressing thoughts or even articulating feelings, is what brought the
human race to the level of development that we’ve achieved today.

The author then moves on to describe and argue about the intimate and deep connection that law
shares with language. He cites examples, such as the construction of statutes and the
communication of instructions, to drive home his point. He talks about how the best lawyers utilize
and manipulate language to their benefit, by interpreting legislations to serve their client’s purposes.
He touches upon the very carful and intricate use of words by courtrooms while delivering their
eloquent and influential judgements. The author claims that “language is the genesis of the law” and
further broaches upon the importance of law students learning language and communication.

Mr. Agarwal then moves on to describing the course. While speaking highly of his teacher, Prof. (Dr.)
Prasannanshu, the author delves into what the course intends to teach, whether it be the
relationship of law, or the depiction of lawyers and the legal profession in mainstream literature and
dramatics. He mentions the use of the writings of renowned men like George B. Shaw, H.H. Munroe,
Mohandas K. Gandhi in class. He talks about the uniqueness of the naturalistic teaching
methodology, celebrated by educators like Rabindranath Tagore, practiced in this course, which
grants freedom to the students to approach the course through a vast multitude of perspectives via
a series of activities that compliment the course prepared. This methodology also extends to the
compulsory academic projects that the students partake in, where their freedom to choose topics
that they are passionate about helps them turn in projects that are diverse in techniques, areas of
interest and varying focuses. The author has time and again praised Prof. (Dr.) Prasannanshu for
adopting such a methodology and for his passionate teachings.

Mr. Agarwal concludes by describing Law and Language as “one of the most enlightening and
enjoyable courses” that his batch had attended in their first year of law school. He also shows his
gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Prasannanshu for his counselling throughout the course and the autonomy
that he gave to his students.