FORWORD OF THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT

Department of Law Studies was founded in 2002, i.e. in the year of foundation of the International University of Novi Pazar. It was founded under the name Faculty of law, and its first dean was professor Abedin Ferović, PhD. The department counts 75 professors and assistants.

Department for law studies is the leading one by the number of the enrolled students at the International University of Novi Pazar. Most of the students come from Serbia and Montenegro, but there are also students from Bosna and Herzegovina, Macedonia and other countries, which gives to this department an international character.

Until 2009 the department comprised two sections: law and criminology. Necessity of the legal system reform, which is conditioned by the obligation of adjustment of our to the EU legal system – which at the same time means the condition for entry into the European integrations – asks for education that will be in compliance with the needs of today. This is the reason why our department – following the world trends and achievements in the field of law, aspiring to synchronize the teaching process with the European and world requirements – in 2009 reformed the study programs, i.e. undertook the steps to realise the Bologna declaration, and submitted documents for accreditation of the basic academic law studies. Commission for accreditation and quality assurance of the Republic of Serbia on July the 9th 2010 arrived at a decision on accreditation of the basic academic law studies, and in accordance with it issued the accreditation certificate 612-00-456/2009-04.

The accredited law study program with two modules – common law and internal affairs (criminology) – is compatible with modern world trends and state of the profession in the field of law and criminology, as well as with the similar programs at the foreign high education institutions, especially within the frame of European education. Basic academic law studies (Bachelor) last for four years. The professional title obtained upon completion of this program is – Bachelor of Law. The first two years of studies are common for both modules. In the third year, students are opting for one of the two available modules.
The purpose of the study program Law – module Common Law, is education of students, providing them with competences required for the following professions: judge, prosecutor, lawyer; lawyer in other state bodies and offices, funds and agencies, institutions, associations and enterprises; secretary of school, university, foundations and endowments;

Department for internal affairs (Criminology) enables students to use scientific knowledge and skills in the field of crime, police and security sciences needed for inclusion into the working process. Upon completion of undergraduate criminology studies, students acquire sufficient level of scientific and professional knowledge and skills which police officials are required to have in the fields of crime, police and security sciences.
The acquired knowledge enables students to perform professional tasks, develop skills necessary for the continuation of studies, for collecting and interpreting required data and helps them develop the crtical thinking on relevant social, scientific, professional and ethical issues. It also provides professional and wide public with the results of their work. Internal Affairs department (Criminology) of undergraduate studies is based on respecting the needs of law enforcement agencies which are related to creating necessary educational and work profiles for major types of criminology and police and security activities in the institutions of internal affairs.

Through mastering this study program students acquire following general and special knowledge and skills:

• ability of legal thinking on the importance of laws for regulating social relations,
• communication with the public,
• fundamental principles of professional ethics,
• ability of active involvement in the preparation of professional and judiciary examination in order to perform important state tasks,
• ability to solve legal disputes by applying procedural and substantive law,
• being familiar with the organization and activities of judiciary and other government agencies,
• ability of making general and individual legal acts and decisions,
• ability to manage business and interpersonal relations,
• performing the most complex tasks in the fields of crime and police and security services,
• managing safety systems in private, state and public institutions and organizations,
• using techniques and methods of work control, measures and
• procedures in the field of security.

In addition to basic academic studies the classes are performed for one-year Master academic studies and three-year Doctoral studies.
Classes are completely interactive, performed according to the most modern methods in the form of lectures and exercises, practical work, presence in the trials, visits to prisons and other state institutions (Land office, the Center for social work, local authorities and companies). Exercises are conducted in small groups, and emphasis is placed on practical work and mastering the necessary skills for independence in work. Special attention is paid to acquisition of critical skills and practical application of acquired knowledge.
In addition to teaching activities, the department has developed scientific and research activities. Works of our professors and assistants are published in leading domestic and international scientific and professional journals. Within the publishing activities we issue the scientific journal “Pravne teme” (Legal Issues) (ISSN2334-8100). It is issued two times per year and publishes practical works of the scientists and experts on different topics in the fields of criminology, law, police-security and other sciences. Editorial board of the journal consists of the eminent scientists from our and other countries. Our department traditionally organizes scientific and professional meetings, counselling, symposiums and seminars.
Law department of the International University so far has organized four international scientific conferences:
– “Legal challenges at the beginning of the 21st century“ – held in Subotica (13/14 October 2010).
– “Serbia through the process of adjustment to the legislation of the EU countries” – held in Subotica (8/9 June 2012).
– “Contribution of legal thought in creation of legislation” – held in Subotica (31 May/1 June 2013).
– “Exchange of theoretical and practical knowledge related to the model of prosecuting investigation and concept of adversarial criminal proceedings” – in cooperation with the International association of criminologists from Banja Luka and with the financial support by Mission OSCE in Serbia it was held on 4/5 March 2014 in Sjenica.
Within the 12 years of the University’s existence Law department continues to follow modern trends and to keep high criteria at all levels, in the fields of science and research, aiming to maintain the existing reputation in all its activities. Accordingly, the law department of the International University of Novi Pazar in winter semester of the academic 2013/2014 introduced the subject “Clinical legal education” for the 4th year students. Goal of the subject is adoption of the standards of legal professionalism and ethics, as well as training in the fields of legal skills, such as legal informing, interviewing, counselling, composition of submissions, application of protocols for the reception of clients, administration, recording in law offices. Goal of the subject is also to enable students to offer free of charge legal help to the poor and needy people – within the Legal Clinic at the department.
From March 2015 department for law studies of the International University of Novi Pazar has been a member of the European Law Faculty Association – ELFA).

Head of Department
Doc. dr Rejhan R. Kurtović