2.1.2 Significance of Research

1. For knowledge itself — research is the only reliable engine of new knowledge; without it, disciplines stagnate. 2. For the student — trains critical thinking, source-handling and argument; the B.A.LL.B. Dissertation (Semester 10) and Seminar papers are research exercises. 3. For the lawyer — a practicing advocate wins cases through research: finding the statute, the precedent, and the distinguishing facts. 4. For the judge — every sound judgment is a research report on the law applied to facts. 5. For the legislature — law reform requires research into defects of existing law and comparative models (law reform commissions everywhere work through research). 6. For society and the state — policy (economic, social, criminal-justice) must rest on verified facts, not assumption.