Restrictions in Law Faculty:

If you read the Evening Post or Dominion last week then you are probably aware of [unclear: the]; Victoria University Council's recent decision to restrict the numbers of 2nd year law students. One of the reasons for this restriction was expressed by Prof. Keith who said that as restrictions of law students were operating at other universities, Victoria with its 'open entry' policy would now receive the 'poorer quality students'.

He also pointed to the unfavourable staff/student ratio and the lack of finance to reduce the imbalance.

It is interesting to note that some law students at Victoria transfer to other universities because of the difficulty in obtaining a pass in 'legal system'. As regards the 'unfavourable' staff/student ratio it is important to consider this in relation to the teaching methods employed i.e. Socratic method which requires a fairly low staff/student ration to be effective.

However, given that a restriction is going to be introduced the method outlined at the Council Meeting seems extremely unfair. Not only have Legal System and Law in Society been made prerequisites for second year courses but also the Council agreed in principle to an upper limit on the number of law students who can enrol in each second year class. This means that though you may pass the pre-requisited it does not necessarily entitle you to entry into the second year courses. On Tuesday, 12 July from 12-2 pm there will be a forum to discuss this issue. If you are doing a law class in 1978, then you will be affected.

— Lindy Cassidy