A Comparative Study on the Legal Education Model in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research mootivates to identify the legal eduaction model in the Arab region and Saudi Arabia in particular. It is found that Arab legal system is derived from the Roman law and French models. The French teaching model is spread in the Kingdom through the professors educated from the French law schools. The french model of legal education follows the lecture approach. The formal legal education in the Kingdom is initiated by Institute of Public Administration (IPA) during 1970s. IPA offered two-years disploma after Sha’ria graduation. Afterwards, King Saud University started the systemetic legal education since 1980s. Law graduatea are required atleast 4-years law degree and 3-years apprenticeship in a law firm as a trainee lawyer.This research also differentiates the legal education system of France, Saudi Arabia and US. We find that that Saudi Arabian system is more similar to French system and lesser similar to the US system.