Legal education goes beyond textbooks, and SEGi’s latest educational excursion provided students with a firsthand understanding of Malaysia’s dual legal system. On 29 October 2024, 30 students from the Diploma in Law (DIL) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programmes embarked on an immersive visit to the Sarawak Syariah Court in Kuching, accompanied by three dedicated lecturers. The visit aimed to broaden perspectives on Syariah law, offering insights into its jurisdiction, procedures, and role within the Malaysian legal framework.
As Malaysia operates under a dual legal system, understanding Syariah law is essential for aspiring legal professionals. The court officials conducted an in-depth briefing on the jurisdiction of Syariah Courts, which handle cases related to family law, inheritance, and religious offences for Muslims. With the Syariah court system comprising the Syariah Subordinate Court, Syariah High Court, and Syariah Appeal Court, students gained a comparative understanding of its structure alongside the civil judiciary. According to Malaysia’s Department of Syariah Judiciary, Syariah Courts hear over 20,000 cases annually, reinforcing their significance within the legal system.
A key highlight of the visit was observing a live trial, allowing students to witness legal principles in action. The emphasis on reconciliation and mediation within the Syariah framework provided a unique perspective on dispute resolution, aligning with global trends in alternative dispute mechanisms. Studies indicate that 70% of cases resolved through mediation result in faster settlements and higher compliance rates compared to adversarial court rulings, showcasing the value of such approaches in modern legal practice.
The guided tour of the courtroom allowed students to familiarise themselves with court decorum, the roles of key legal personnel, and the practicalities of case proceedings. This exposure bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students graduate with a well-rounded legal education. Research by the International Bar Association highlights that experiential learning improves legal comprehension by 60%, proving the effectiveness of such real-world experiences.
A Q&A session with court officials provided an opportunity for direct engagement, allowing students to clarify legal concepts and discuss career pathways within Islamic law and legal practice. Faculty members praised the court’s openness and commitment to legal education, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between academia and the judiciary. Strengthening such institutional partnerships contributes to the continuous development of legal professionals, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate Malaysia’s complex legal landscape.
By integrating practical experiences into academic learning, legal education fosters critical thinking, professional ethics, and cultural competence. The visit reaffirmed the importance of understanding diverse legal traditions, enabling SEGi College Sarawak’s students to serve a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society with greater empathy and knowledge. Legal literacy and access to justice are core elements of global development efforts, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG4 Quality Education
SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
