The Development of Candidates for the Advocacy Examination of the Lawyers Council Through Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) analyze the context, problems, and needs regarding the development of advocacy trainees of the Lawyers Council, as well as the concepts and theories of advocate development according to modern sciences; 2) analyze the principles of Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of the Lawyers Council's advocacy training curriculum; and 3) propose guidelines for the development of candidates for the advocacy examination of the Lawyers Council through Buddhist peaceful means. This qualitative research employed a study of related documents and in-depth interviews with 18 key informants, consisting of legal experts, professional lawyers, and academics. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research findings revealed the following: 1) The current context, problems, and needs regarding the development of advocacy trainees still present significant limitations, primarily focusing on the transmission of theoretical knowledge and passing the examination, while the development of practical skills and internal characteristics remains insufficient. Consequently, some entrants to the profession lack professional conscience, social responsibility, emotional control, and peaceful communication skills. Furthermore, there is a tendency to view the lawyer’s license merely as a tool for other professions, which negatively affects professional standards and public confidence. Although modern scientific concepts, such as human resource development, competency, professional ethics, and experiential learning, support holistic development, there are still limitations in cultivating a deep-seated conscience. 2) The principles of Buddhist peaceful means that can be effectively applied as a framework for developing advocacy candidates by enhancing their cognitive, psychological, and behavioral aspects include: the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca) for systematic problem analysis and resolution; the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Iddhipādā) to enhance motivation and perseverance; the Four Sublime States of Mind (Brahmavihāra) to cultivate an understanding of others; the Four Prejudices (Agati) to prevent bias; and the Four Virtues for Lay People (Gharāvāsa-dhamma) to promote honesty, patience, and professional responsibility. 3) The guidelines for training development should involve a systematic integration that connects modern sciences, professional conduct, and Buddhist peaceful means, designed across four dimensions: (1) Content: adapting legal content to connect with real-world situations and integrating Dhamma principles; (2) Learning process: emphasizing experiential learning, such as case studies, simulations, and reflection; (3) Ethical development: aiming to enhance internal conscience through Dhamma principles and professional conduct; and (4) Evaluation: developing a holistic evaluation system covering knowledge, skills, and behavior to sustainably elevate the quality and standards of the legal profession.