Photo: (Left to right) Prof Alfred Vella, Rector, Prof Frances Camilleri-Cassar and Dr Ivan Mifsud, Dean of the Faculty of Laws
A novelty in the second edition of Academic Research Methods for the Law Student by Professor Frances Camilleri-Cassar at the Faculty of Laws, is an introduction to law and economics, explored as an added fascinating challenge in the discovery of how to use modern economic analysis to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of legal measures. The back cover of the book carries words by eminent Judge Professor David J Attard who writes, ‘With respect to Malta, the chapter on law and economics is ground breaking, and of immense relevance, not only to the research of law students, but also and especially to legislators and policy makers. It is evident that we cannot continue to ignore the economic ramifications of proposed legislation.’
For instance, the recent court cases of corruption and money laundering in Malta, have caused embarrassment to government, and imprisonment to some individuals. Should academic legal research not be concerned with the economic analysis of financial crime, to be in a better position to recommend comprehensive and coordinated policy measures?
Another innovative chapter discusses the principles that lie behind feminist methods in legal research, as an exciting new way of researching the law. It presents a fascinating discourse on why feminist research matters, and the part played by the law in a society that is conservative, patriarchal, and sexist. This chapter seeks to provide that wider perspective, which is essential, if academic legal research is to fully contribute to a deeper understanding of the merits of the law and its impact on women.
The book includes the 2022 version of the OSCOLA referencing style, adapted for Maltese legal sources by the Ghaqda Studenti tal-Ligi Publications Office, and formally adopted as the standard citation guide for Malta by the Board of the Faculty of Laws.
The practical quality of the information it provides, makes this book a valuable time-saving tool for both the law student preparing to write a dissertation, and academics with a passion in researching the law from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Academic Research Methods for the Law Student: a practical guide is sponsored by the Faculty of Laws, and distributed by the Ghaqda Studenti tal-Ligi. Proceeds of the sale are donated to the Student Solidarity Fund of the University of Malta, which assists students with financial difficulties.
