Clinical Legal Education as an Instrument to Address Access to Justice

A Critical Analysis of the Clinical Movement in Germany

Abstract

This report explores the role of clinical legal education in promoting Access to Justice and human rights. Legal clinics have the potential to provide practical skills to law students, sensitizing them to social challenges and Access to Justice issues while offering free legal advice to marginalized individuals. By effectively combining these approaches, legal clinics can contribute significantly to achieving greater Access to Justice. However, German law clinics take up a rather neglected role within German legal education. After highlighting the role of legal clinics within Access to Justice, the report assesses the movement of clinical legal education in Germany, providing a historic overview and discussing the current situation. The report then identifies the main challenges of the German clinical movement such as limited recognition in the academic environment and financial instability. In conclusion, institutional support, and recognition within the educational and academic fields are identified as crucial elements in enhancing Access to Justice through legal clinics in Germany.