Simple English definitions for legal terms
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An Inn of Court is a group of lawyers who come together to learn and practice law. In England, there are four Inns of Court that lawyers must join to become a barrister. These Inns examine and train lawyers and give them a degree. In the United States, there is an organization called the American Inns of Court Foundation that helps lawyers, judges, and law students learn and practice good legal skills, ethics, and professionalism.
Definition: An Inn of Court is an organization that provides training and support to barristers (lawyers who argue cases in court) in England. There are four Inns of Court: Lincoln's Inn, the Middle Temple, the Inner Temple, and Gray's Inn. Barristers must join one of these Inns to receive their training and remain members for life. The Inns of Court examine candidates for the Bar, "call" them to the Bar, and award the degree of barrister.
Example: After completing law school, John joined Gray's Inn to receive his barrister training. He is now a member for life and can practice law in England.
In the United States, the American Inns of Court Foundation is an organization with over 100 local chapters. Members include judges, practicing attorneys, law professors, and law students. The chapters emphasize practice skills, professionalism, and ethics, and provide mentors to train students and young lawyers in the finer points of good legal practice.
Example: Sarah is a law student and a member of the local chapter of the American Inns of Court Foundation. She attends monthly meetings to learn from experienced lawyers and judges and improve her legal skills.
The examples illustrate how the Inns of Court provide training and support to lawyers in different countries. In England, barristers must join one of the four Inns of Court to receive their training and remain members for life. In the United States, the American Inns of Court Foundation provides support and mentorship to law students and young lawyers to improve their legal skills and professionalism.