Based on my limited experience, I find criminal cases to be more of a
challenge rather than civil proceedings. Probably due to the fact that
criminal cases have greater consequences especially the punishments.
There is a public misconception that a magistrate on the bench has the
liberty to decide based on whims and fancies. Truth is anyone on the bench
is viewed as a problem solver and are expected to be able to deliver
directions, orders, rulings or decisions in seconds. This actually requires
more than just mere knowledge of the law but also a certain degree of
judicial competence that will need to be perfected with practice. Aspects of
proper judicial temperament such as patience, courtesy, firmness,
understanding, compassion, humility and common sense ought to be
displayed.
LL.M experience
Pursuing my LL.M studies in Queen Mary University of London
(QMUL) was a continuance of my arbitration passion. It was a dream of
mine to meet and learn with prominent scholars in international arbitration
there. Having read books and articles written by them during my Vis Moots
years, I was ecstatic when Professor Julian DM Lew and Professor Loukas
Mistelis first walked into one of my classes. Personally, I enjoyed Professor
Lew’s class the most and find Professor Stavros Brekoulakis as one of the
most approachable lecturer. Furthermore, the dissertation supervisor that
was assigned to me, Dr Remy Gerbay had guide me well throughout the
dissertation writing process. It feels good to have proper guidance from
experts, appreciated in having analytical ideas and be constructively
criticised.
The best thing about the lecturers in the UK is that most of them
are practicing lawyers and arbitrators. Hence, the knowledge taught and
issues raised during classes or tutorials were not purely theoretical but
practical issues faced in the realm of international arbitration. As law is a
living subject which evolves gradually, it is best to have some working
background in the area that you wish to study further. This is because you
would be able to appreciate and contribute more in the legal discourse.
Having less than months to adapt to the teaching style, learning
system, social environment and the city of London was challenging yet an
incredible adventure of a lifetime. I do not think that I could thank the
Chevening Scholarship enough for the great opportunity given to me in
2012. The overall experience of studying in a UK university had not only
expanded my knowledge of the law, enhance both set of hard and soft skills
but had greatly influence my perspective of life.
The vibrant city of London had put my survival skills to the test as I
had not really been away from home prior to my LL.M studies. It was my
first time being truly independent. The situation had made me realized the
strength that I have and the capabilities that I never knew I had at all. I
never thought that a year could change myself so much as I did not just
obtained a postgraduate degree but I had mature as a person too. It is true
that you must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.