Law Personal Statement Example 39

I decided to study law some months ago when I visited Worcester Crown Court. A parent was alleged to have neglected his child. As I analysed the circuit judge's verdict, it seemed to me that to exercise discretion, and back up facts with legal precedent, using a solid knowledge base, shows a great intellect.

I imagined the satisfaction one could feel from a comprehensive understanding of English law, both in day-to-day life and in practice.

I am interested in the controversial Counter Terrorism Bill. On the one hand I understand that national security is high on the government's agenda, but on the other hand, I believe that to detain terror suspects without charge is unjust, because 'justice delayed is justice denied'.

Such perennial legal principles, I believe, should form the backbone upon which new legislation is created. It may be the case that the public feels that terrorism is so serious that the law should favour them, rather than suspected terrorists. However, today, the House of Lords rejected the Government Bill to increase detention without trial, which I think is a step in the right direction.

I enjoy reading around the A level law specification. Glanville William's 'Learning the Law' and Lord Denning's 'What Next in the Law' have given me insight into what a law degree may entail. I am particularly interested in areas of legal reform. However, at the moment, I am concerned solely with 'black letter' law.

I spent my week's work experience with a local solicitor. I learnt a lot about the complexity of adult life and the duties one has as a citizen.

I found the magistrates' willingness to serve to be quite inspirational. The hearings, which were of quite trivial matters such as T.V. licensing, were dealt with quickly, without much passion. However, there was a sense of camaraderie between the lawyers. They were all concerned with justice, and I admired this.

I am a keen sportsman, and would like to continue playing cricket at university, and perhaps take up boxing. Cricket is a great way to relax. I enjoy the team work and I am a reasonably good opening batsman. I provide a hedge cutting service to local people, making enough money to run my car.

I also play guitar, and last year I formed a band called Negative Feedback, which, as the name suggests, didn't do too well. I am a member of the Sixth Form Committee, and I have also helped prospective students who are considering taking computing.

I am interested in computer science and computer programming. My current project is to design a finance management system for my parents. Working for my AS level in geography has helped me develop better time-management and organisational skills. The geography field trip to France, which was held over the summer, improved my team-work skills and gave me a deeper understanding of glacial processes and landforms.

I am also interested in philosophy and science. I have read Descartes' 'Meditations on First Philosophy', amongst others, and have over 2000 posts on a philosophy internet forum. In physics I have read Hawking, Greene and Hooft.

Over the summer I grappled with Penrose's masterpiece, 'The Road to Reality', and consequently decided to take maths at AS level. I used to find maths confusing, but with some extra effort, I am now much more competent in this subject. I proved to myself that I have a flexible mind. This experience has widened my academic ambitions.

The education that I have received over the last year has changed my attitude towards life. I now understand the value of education, both to oneself and to society. I also understand that law is vital to the function and development of society, and I hope to make my own contribution by practising law as a career.