Academic Legal Research in Pakistan: Challenging the Doctrinal Method through the Trial of Analysis and Rethinking Critical Legal Approach
Academic Legal Research in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32350/lpr.52.02Keywords:
Pakistan, Doctrinal Research, Critical Method, Analytical Approach, Legal ResearchAbstract
This research paper provides an informed, evidence-based analysis of the outdated models of legal research employed in Pakistan. It argues that these methods have become obsolete, as they are no longer suited to contemporary research, judicial decision-making and policy-oriented inquiry. The study adopts three basic research methods, which are not to be confused with legal research methods, namely, doctrinal, analytical, and critical. A combination of these methods constitutes a single methodology, referred to as a ‘mixed legal research methodology’. Mixed-methods or methodologies are adopted to provide a clear distinction between methods and how a combination of two or more methods can be applied in a situation where one method becomes outdated. Based on the application of this mixed methodology, the paper recommends the establishment of mechanisms for interdisciplinary, policy-oriented, practical, international, and solution-based research to provide the State of Pakistan with real-time solutions to legal issues. Pakistan requires legal scholars with the ability to provide effective policy advocacy at international forums, while contributing to better local governance, provincial coordination, and national integration. This research paper also suggests that the State must reform its approach towards law schools and legal scholarship in Pakistan.
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