MEANS OF EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING OF LAW STUDENTS.

O. Voyachek

M. Golovushkina

The aim of high education is forming of highly educated person who has fundamental training not only in a narrow special sphere, but possesses broad fundamental knowledge. It means that future lawyers should know not only professional language, but should practically use everything they know in the spheres of linguistics, culture, sociology etc. In this respect we can state that studying a foreign language not only deeps professional language, but also plays an important role in forming culture of a future specialist.

Effectively organized process of foreign language teaching gives students access to understanding the English legal system, forms tolerant attitude to foreign culture, raises the level of positive motivation, skills of law-obeying behavior. That is why studying a foreign language plays an important role in forming person’s culture.

After analyzing different Russian and foreign textbooks for lawyers we decided to compile a textbook that meets requirements of the teaching process for the law faculty students of PSU.

The authors of the textbook “English for layers” have attempted to give students a broad picture of what the law means to Englishmen, how they make their laws and how the legal system works.

English for lawyers is a good companion for students who want to learn professional law English. These textbook has been developed using modern linguistic researches and methodical directions of Russians and foreign scientists (T. Tarasova, S. Shevelyova, T. Shishkina, Gilliam D. Brown, Sally Rice, Martin Partington etc.).

The main subject-matter is the general law history, the UK political system, British Monarchy, jury service, crime and punishment etc. The book also introduces general legal vocabulary related to legal systems and legal profession, as well as functional language that lawyers can use in their daily working life.

The aim of the textbook is:

– to develop important personal qualities for future lawyers (orientation on humanistic relations, equality, friendship) and professional qualities (the adequate valuation of situation and interlocutor, the importance of opposite opinion, the demonstration of appropriate communication etc.);

– to give learners the confidence and ability to use the English in a legal environment;

– to focus on key legal terms in order to expand learners’ vocabulary and functional language on the following topics: the general law history, the UK political system, British Monarchy, jury service, crime and punishment etc.

– to develop skills for information analysis and systematization;

– to contribute to the skills’ development of written and oral speech;

– to form and develop analytical, comparative and critical studying of law texts.

Written in highly engaging and approachable style “English for Lawyers” is an ideal foundation for all those coming new to the study of law. It introduces readers to the purposes and functions of law and the law making process.

In each unit there are grammar and lexical exercises, language practice (Brainstorm, Debate, Role-Play, Creative Writing) and comprehension check. Learners can also find information about social and cultural life of the UK. The authors have taken the opportunity to develop the key features of the book designed to encourage students to explore issues that interest them more fully and to think critically about what they have read.

Key features of this book:

- Brainstorm boxes and creative writing boxes draw out the key points for discussion and encourage students to reflect upon their reading.

- Memory boxes provide a visual representation of legal terms, helping students to put these into context.

- Useful web links provide guidance for those wishing to study topics in more depth.

The authors have attempted to give the reader a broad picture of what the law is and how the British legal system works. We have dealt with only a few legal issues in this book, which is intended as an introduction to the British law system for those of learners who wish to know how it works. We would like to think that this book will encourage learners to find out more.

Literature:

1. English for Lawyers: учебное пособие / сост.: М.В. Головушкина, О.С. Воячек, С.Н. Трякина. – Пенза : Изд-во ПГУ, 2010. – 198 с.