Combining law with psychology

How important is it to understand human behaviour, convince people while dealing with corporates and criminals professionally? Well, it is very important, especially if you are a lawyer. Many will agree to this. Many students now opt for law and psychology as their preferred subjects in their degree programme.

While experts and veterans in the field assert that this combination is important and was very popular a decade ago. Students have gradually realised the same now in the last few years. Furthermore seasoned professionals in the stream are also encouraging upcoming professionals on the same. This is what colleges have realised and are guiding students to pursue both the subjects.

National Law School of India University (NLSIU) - Bangalore, Vice Chancellor and law professor R Venkata Rao said psychology and law as independent subjects are popular.

But a combination of these two subjects is now becoming very popular and is an interesting combination as well. While some law colleges are offering psychology as an additional degree course, some others have integrated psychology as a subject in their degree programme. This combination has now become popular after many years.

In NLSIU we offer this as a part of the five year LLB course as we have realised that it is important in almost all law streams like corporate law, criminal law, forensic science, dispute settlement, resolution, family courts and all other streams, he said.

Though corporate law is a popular subject among students, because of the financial returns lawyers get when practicing, psychology has found an important place because it helps one understand how to deal with companies and clients.

Incase of mediation and arbitration also it is vital. It is very important to understand the mindset of people as alawyer and psychology helps in it. It also makes one confident, he added.

On one hand while law colleges are offering combinations, there are many colleges which offer psychology as a combination with other subjects like communicative English and journalism.

Thus students who are studying psychology in other colleges are studying also law through correspondence or visa versa.

Garden City College lecturer, KJ Joseph said that while business law, cyber law and patent law are popular; psychology is also equally popular.

The two combined subjects are gaining gradual momentum because of the scope in future. There are many students who are studying psychology under their masters’ programme instead of the degree programme. This is an interesting change and shows that students have better insight and know clearly where they are headed in future.

Mount Carmel College, principal Susaparna said that many want to study psychology. While it was always in demand, it is becoming popular with law.

Experts in the stream also suggest the same. Noted lawyer Pramila Nesargi said that psychology plays a very important role in understanding the mind of the opposition party and guide the client. While it helps in developing and sharpening the mind it also helps in having a balanced approach and getting justice. Many practicing lawyers are undertaking courses in psychology. This combination is very helpful for those in the mediation centres.