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Bar Course Aptitude Test launched amid student outrage

The concerns raised here, whether justified or not, or merely a drop in the ocean. The fundamental problem is the BPTC is in the hands of course providers who are largely motiviated by profit, rather than having an eye on the profession as whole. It is simply overpriced relative to the benefit one receives from it (one often has to "unlearn" many of the things taught) and, I have found, it offers little by way of real preparation for pupillage and practice. The "over supply" issue is a concern raised consistently, both publically and privately in the profession. However, the question comes down to this: who should decide whether an individual is capable of becoming a barrister? I, for one, would be extremely reluctant for the judge of that to be a BPTC course provider and its employees, many of whom may be of poor quality themselves or have no experience as to the area of practice that the student is interested in. The only relevant criteria for a course provider should be whether the student is capable of passing the course; the question of whether a student is capable of being a pupil and future tenant is, and should be, a matter for chambers. To suggest that the BPTC providers should hold the keys to the profession is, as all those with recent experience will attest, frightening.

21-Feb-2013

10:26 am