Constitutional Law
Constitutional law, was a challenge, both intellectually and otherwise, as a fresh law student. Unlike other legal subjects such as Contract and Tort Law, Constitutional Law was a proess of getting up, close and personal with the intentions of philosophers who created laws and their rationale behind their stances. It required unprecendented thought on my part, as I was required to think long and hard about issues I had never before considered in such depth. For example, I was required to analyse the rationale behind A. V. Dicey's conservative and rigid interpretation of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law, and to be able to demonstrate how it is applied in the law today and the cases which reflect this line of thought. My lecturers, Dr Tamara Joan Duraisingam and Ms Puteri Sofia pushed us to think beyond what was conventional. In doing so, my main source of reference was the Internet, given the diverse interpretations of a philosophy in particular, as well as clarification as to what the philosophy means in real terms. An example of the videos which mattered and contributed the most to my understanding of this subject are attached below as artifacts. These videos are an example of how I furthered my understanding of what Dicey's interpretation of the rule of law was, classes aside. However, the return on the challenges was indeed great, as the heightened understanding of Constitutional Law I now possess has resulted in Constitutional Law being one of my favourite legal subjects, if not my favourite. This is because, I have come to understand, that there can be no real understanding of the law until one understands the approach and the beliefs of its creators. Upon gaining this understanding, which I have yet to develop to full potential, the study of law has never been the same since, as the law takes on a different meaning when viewed in different contexts, such as in English Legal System and Tort. Constitutional Law is therefore the subject which stands out by driving us to question what the law really is and what its role really is. This broadened my knowledge and understanding of the law itself. This was further enhanced and strengthened in the written assignment I had completed over the semester, which required me to examine if the Separation of Powers in the United Kingdom was desirable, and if so, to what extent. The research and analysis I undertook in the course of that assignment helped me understand that although the United Kingdom has no written constitution and employs a weak separation of powers, the checks and balances available ensure accountability and transparency while maximising governmental efficiency, which pragmatically speaking is an important prerequisite as a government. The role I expect Constitutional Law to play in my future employment is twofold; firstly, to promote my desire and curiosity in uncovering the underlying reason or purpose of my work, which is necessary in order for me to be the best at what I do in order to address and solve the problem at hand. In addition, the added sense of purpose derived from being able to better comprehend the goal of tasks would not only work less mundane and more relevant to myself, but also more purposeful and gratifying. Secondly, Constitutional Law, through the reflection above, has helped to shape and strengthen my pillars of thought, which is crucial in improving my understanding of the law as a field of study, instead of merely the application of statutes and principles. This means that I am not only better at understanding which laws are most applicable to resolve disputes, which I believe will make me an asset in my future industry, but should the opportunities present themselves, I could also be able to formulate and create new laws, or review old laws, with a better understand of their goals and philosophies. The reason why Constitutional Law is made a core module in law faculties in Malaysia and beyond is clear given the foundation it provides students with, and the added level of understanding which promotes critical and philosophical thought for legal practitioners who apply the law in daily scenarios, hence its importance in both the classrooms of today and the workplaces of tomorrow.