NUALS - An Overview
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature. By the same Act, the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) established by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002 merged with the NUALS. In 2008, an amendment streamlined the powers and functions of the authorities of the University and ensured the active involvement of the Government of Kerala.The University is recognized by the University Grants Commission under section 2(f) and section 12B of the UGC Act.It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The main objects of the University are: (a) to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge of law and legal and judicial processes, professional legal education and their role in national development; (b) to develop in the student and research scholar a sense of responsibility to serve the society by developing skills with regard to advocacy, legal services, legislation, law reforms etc., and (c) to promote legal and judicial reforms needed to strengthen the administration of justice in India.
VISION
Be a pioneer centre of excellence of international repute that engages in socially relevant, inclusive, innovative and holistic education in law, inter-disciplinary research and social outreach, which turns out professionals and academicians who would shape the future of our country.
MISSION
- Develop and sustain a student-centric, holistic and innovative teaching, learning and evaluation process that nurtures the learners, intellectually and emotionally.
- Empower students with a well-rounded and comprehensive grasp of the law and legal institutions, enabling them to become informed, skilled, proficient and relevant legal professionals.
- Create a dynamic research ecosystem leading to innovative and transformative contributions that drive meaningful changes in the social, legal and policy landscape.
- Foster an environment that enables the students to develop character, ethical and constitutional values, intellectual curiosity, scientific temper and spirit of service and become enlightened, socially conscious and knowledgeable individuals.
- Provide suitable resources and infrastructure so as to ensure that the learning environments are engaging and supportive.
- Leverage technology to enhance the quality of legal education and research and integrate technology into various aspects of legal education and research so as to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
- Create an institutional culture that motivates and incentivizes outstanding and innovative teaching, research, institutional service, and community outreach.
- Create an inclusive and dynamic workplace that caters to the requirements of various stakeholders in an efficient, accountable and transparent manner.
- Build partnerships with national and international entities to enhance the educational experience of students, promote the advancement of legal education and research and make productive contributions to society.
- Contribute towards capacity building of the representatives of Governmental and non-Governmental entities by use of the expertise available with the institution.
- Actively engage with local community for addressing societal legal requirements, for creating public awareness of law and legal institutions, for contributing to legal reforms and social justice initiatives and for cultivating a strong commitment to rule of law among students and citizens.
- Promote sustainability through the academic curriculum, institutional practices, research endeavours and community engagement, leading to law reform and social change.
The Chief Justice of India subject to his consent is the Visitor and the Chief Justice of Kerala, the Chancellor of NUALS.
The NUALS Campus is situated in Kochi - the industrial capital of Kerala and the seat of the Kerala High Court - in a 10 acre in the Kinfra Hi-Tech Park at Kalamassery.
The NUALS campus provides adequate academic infrastructure - dedicated internet access, Wi-Fi Connectivity, on-line legal resources including Hein online, Westlaw India and Manupatra, a computer lab, besides a good collection of standard books and reports, both foreign and Indian.
To make the study of law relevant to social needs and to encourage focused research, the University has established the following centres of study and research:
- Inter Disciplinary Centre for Police Studies
- Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Law Reforms
- Centre for Law and Development
- Centre for Law and Agriculture
- Centre for Continuing Legal Education and Extension (CCLEE)
- Centre for Environment and Law
- Centre for Consumer Protection Law and Policy
- Centre for Women and Family Studies
- Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR)
- Centre for Human Rights (CHR)
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Social Justice
- Centre for Law and Economics
- Centre For Health Law And Policy
- Centre for Competition Law and Policy
- The Centre For Sports Law
- Centre for Post Graduate Legal Studies