[4] THE ROLE OF INFORMATION LITERACY IN ENHANCING LEGAL PRACTICE: A STUDY AMONG ADVOCATES IN KARNATAKA

Submitted: Aug 24, 2024 , Revised: Sep 29, 2024 , Accepted: Oct. 15, 2024, https://doi.org/10.56815/IJMRR.V3I4.2024/40-50

Abstract

The study appraises information literacy (IL) and looks at its importance in the legal profession, with a specific focus on legal practitioners in Karnataka. Information literacy, which refers to the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, is a prime necessity for legal professionals as they navigate the wide assortment of legal resources, including case law, statutes, and digital databases. The study aims to assess the current IL levels among advocates, explore the challenges they face in managing legal information, and understand how IL influences legal research, case preparation, and client representation. A survey methodology has been utilised to collect data from 570 legal practitioners in Karnataka, including advocates, law interns, and research assistants, through structured questionnaires. The key findings highlight that while most legal professionals are confident, to a certain degree, in their IL skills, there remain significant gaps in steering through legal databases and assessing the credibility of legal information. The study also revealed gender differences, where female practitioners, while being more prone to relying on digital tools, also faced more challenges in interpretation of legal information. The research emphasizes the importance of continuous professional training, particularly in digital literacy and legal research techniques, that will help ensure legal professionals are able to efficiently manage information overload while improving the quality of their practice. The study concludes by advocating for greater integration of IL training in both legal education and workplace environments allowing for enhancement of the competency in general, of legal practitioners.