Guest Lecture on “From Galgotias to the Globe: Higher Legal Education Opportunities”

Theme: “From Galgotias to the Globe: Higher Legal Education Opportunities”

Event Date: 19.09.2025

Event brief description

The School of Law, Galgotias University, successfully organized a distinguished guest lecture on the theme “From Galgotias to the Globe: Higher Legal Education Opportunities.” The lecture was delivered by Prof. Stephen G. Barnes (Steve), Director, PennState Dickinson Law (PSDL), The Pennsylvania State University, USA. The program provided an excellent platform for law students to explore global opportunities in higher legal education, while also enriching their academic understanding of comparative constitutional law and governance.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomar, Dean, School of Law, who underlined the importance of international exposure and academic collaborations in preparing students to become globally competent legal professionals. Prof. Barnes began his talk by sharing his personal experiences of visiting India, which reflected his deep cultural connection with the country. This personal touch created a sense of relatability among students, before he transitioned into the academic core of his lecture.

During his session, Prof. Barnes offered insights into higher legal education opportunities abroad, particularly at PennState Dickinson Law. He explained how Indian students can access global platforms to enhance their knowledge, gain international perspectives, and build professional networks. A major highlight of the lecture was his comparative analysis of the Indian and American Constitutions. He elaborated on the Doctrine of Separation of Powers, emphasizing the checks and balances maintained among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. He also explained the importance of judicial independence, impeachment provisions in the United States, the role of executive orders in shaping policy, and the significance of judicial review in protecting democracy and fundamental rights. His references to historical and contemporary examples, such as the immigration-related executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017, made the lecture highly engaging and practical.

Another landmark achievement of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between Galgotias University and PennState Dickinson Law. This MoU lays the groundwork for student exchange, academic collaborations, and joint research initiatives. It was hailed as a milestone that will open global pathways for students at Galgotias University. The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students asked thought-provoking questions about international education and constitutional governance. The formal vote of thanks was delivered byDr. Mansi Jain Garg, who acknowledged the contribution of the speaker, leadership, faculty, and student volunteers. Overall, the lecture was a remarkable success, leaving students inspired to pursue international education and broaden their professional horizons.

Event Detailed Description

The School of Law, Galgotias University, organized a special guest lecture on “From Galgotias to the Globe: Higher Legal Education Opportunities.” The lecture was delivered by Prof. Stephen G. Barnes, Director, PennState Dickinson Law (USA). This program was designed to introduce law students to international opportunities in legal education and to deepen their understanding of constitutional law in a global context.

The session began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomar, Dean, School of Law.In his speech, he highlighted the need for students to gain international exposure, which is vital in shaping them into globally competent professionals. He also emphasized the importance of collaborations with reputed foreign universities in providing students with unique learning experiences. Prof. Barnes started his lecture by sharing his personal experiences in India, which built an immediate connection with the audience. He then shifted focus to the academic aspect, where he explained the vast opportunities available for Indian students who wish to study abroad, particularly at PennState Dickinson Law. He spoke about the benefits of global education in law, including exposure to diverse legal systems, global networking, and enhanced career prospects.

The central theme of his talk was a comparative study of the Indian and American Constitutions. He explained the Doctrine of Separation of Powers, describing how the three branches of government the legislature, executive, and judiciary function to maintain checks and balances. He gave practical examples to show how this system ensures accountability in a democracy.

He discussed important aspects such as:

• Impeachment in the United States, with references to constitutional provisions and historical examples.
• Executive orders passed by U.S. Presidents, including the 2017 immigration order signed by former President Donald Trump, and how such orders impact governance and judicial oversight.
• Judicial review as a critical tool for ensuring constitutional supremacy and protecting citizens’ rights.

These explanations gave students a deeper understanding of how constitutional principles function differently in India and the United States, while also showing the universal importance of an independent judiciary.

One of the most important highlights of the event was the signing of an MoU between Galgotias University and PennState Dickinson Law. This MoU will create opportunities for student exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic collaborations. It marks the beginning of a strong partnership that will benefit future batches of law students.

The lecture ended with an interactive Q&A session, where students asked questions about studying abroad, the role of judiciary in constitutional democracies, and the impact of executive powers. Prof. Barnes responded with clarity and encouraged students to think critically about the subjects discussed. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mansi Jain Garg, who expressed gratitude to Prof. Barnes, the leadership of both institutions, faculty members, and the student volunteers who worked behind the scenes.

Department Name: School of Law 

Event Outcome 

The guest lecture by Prof. Stephen G. Barnes, Director, PennState Dickinson Law, was highly impactful in broadening students’ perspectives on global legal education and comparative constitutional law. Students gained valuable insights into the doctrine of separation of powers, judicial independence, impeachment, executive orders, and the critical role of judicial review in safeguarding democracy. The event also marked a significant milestone with the signing of an MoU between Galgotias University and PennState Dickinson Law, paving the way for academic collaborations, student exchange, and research opportunities. Overall, the lecture inspired students to pursue international education and expand their professional horizons.

Related Goal