The Diary of Court

I am Md Ariful Islam, a law student from the 39th batch of the Department of Law at Sylhet International University.

As law students, we study many legal theories, sections and subsections at university. Yet, at first, we often have little clear understanding of how they are applied in practice or what life around the courts looks like. How could we? We spend so much of our time confined to textbooks and the intricacies of legal provisions.

Yes, after graduation, there is an opportunity at the appropriate stage to learn through an apprenticeship under experienced senior lawyers. But I believe every law student should understand the real atmosphere of the courts rather than limiting university life to memorising pages of books.

Our respected law teachers, experienced lawyers, judges and well-wishers often advise us to visit the courts regularly during our legal studies. Encouraged by that advice, I try to go to court at least once or twice a week. I do not go for financial reasons—I am still a student. The purpose that takes me there, however, is worth far more than any financial gain.

The difficult provisions that leave me frustrated while reading become much easier to remember when I see them applied in a courtroom. I no longer need to rely on memorisation; the legal complexities begin to feel clear.

The courts and the story of a dream

Ever since I was in Class Seven, I have felt a particular affection for that black gown. From then on, I quietly nurtured the dream of becoming a lawyer one day, In Sha Allah. Carrying that dream with me, I now stand in the final year of my law degree.

Sometimes, when the pressure of studying leaves me tired or discouragement drains my motivation, I make a point of spending a day around the courts. So many people rushing about, so many appeals for help! So many dreams begin here, and so many chapters of people's lives reach their end.

In my first year, I read Shankar's Kato Ajanare. Although the book centres on the last English barrister of the Calcutta High Court, it brings to life a multitude of experiences of joy and sorrow around the courts. To me, our own court precinct feels like a living version of Kato Ajanare. When I visit, the world of the book and the reality before me come together. My tiredness fades, and I find renewed resolve: I must study much more and become a capable, good lawyer.

I may not be a professional writer, and my thoughts may be a little scattered. Still, I wanted to put my journey of learning law and these small stories from the courts into words. That feeling is the starting point for this introduction to The Diary of Court.

Sources and inspiration

1. Kato Ajanare — Mani Shankar: his memories of the court precinct surrounding the last English barrister of the Calcutta High Court.

2. District and Sessions Judge Court, Sylhet—the court precinct of my The Diary of Court.