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Why did law schools expand in Asia, Latin America, and Africa after World War II?
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Legal profession
Lee Kuan Yew, 1987.
Following World War II, the expansion of law schools in Asia, Latin America, and Africa was driven by several interconnected global trends rather than a single cause.
A primary driver, particularly in Africa, was the period of decolonization; many law schools were established during this time to help nurture and develop new national legal systems. Across these regions, the growth of legal education was further spurred by:1
- Transitional Needs: Many regimes undergoing political transitions required the development of new constitutional and legal orders.1
- Social Movements: Global movements for human rights and civil rights increased the demand for legal expertise.1
- Demographic Shifts: A significant increase in the number of women pursuing higher education and entering the workforce since the 1960s contributed to rising enrollment.1
- Economic Factors: The fragmentation of production across different companies and national legal jurisdictions increased the complexity of business transactions, necessitating more specialized legal counseling.1
These factors not only increased the number of law students but also influenced curricula, leading to a greater focus on international law and transactionally oriented legal training.1