Law student becomes the youngest to obtain a law doctorate at UP

March 19th, 2020
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Marko Svicevic obtain a law doctorate (LLD) at the age of 25 from the University of Pretoria.

By Kgomotso Ramotsho

The University of Pretoria (UP) is ‘beaming with pride’ after one of its law students, Marko Svicevic, obtained a doctorate in law (LLD) at the age of 25. Dr Svicevic grew up in Pretoria and attended Rietondale High School. After he matriculated, he enrolled at UP for a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) and ended up majoring in criminology. After he completed his LLB, he went on to study for a Master of Laws (LLM).

Dr Svicevic told De Rebus that when he was in high school, he wanted to study science. He said that he was awarded a bursary through UP, namely a science course from grade 10 to grade 12. He, thereafter, received a bursary to study for any degree of his choice within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He noted that during the course in 2011, he specialised in a year-long project in genetics and although he enjoyed it, he realised that science was not for him. He added that when he applied at UP after matriculating, he chose law as the second choice on his application form as it always intrigued him. He added, however, he was not sure what to expect regarding the field of law, as law was one of the fields, which has very little exposure in schools.

Dr Svicevic pointed out that the research element of his LLB degree inspired him to study further for an LLM, then an LLD. ‘For the most part I found little pleasure in writing (and studying) for tests and exams; but when it came to research – I really excelled. I think it is ultimately why I went on to apply for the LLM, and eventually completed the LLD too,’ Dr Svicevic said. He said that his thesis focused on the United Nations Security Council’s authorisation of the use of force, which examined both the nature and the necessity of the authorisation, with a focus on the practices of African regional and sub-regional organisations. He said he has always been enthusiastic about international law and was fortunate to have an expert in that field to supervise him.

Dr Svicevic added that studying for the LLD took plenty of work and a culmination of several stakeholders who supported him. He said his supervisor, Professor Erika de Wet, was instrumental in guiding and supporting him and the UP Faculty of Law also provided ongoing support and assisted with the necessary resources he required to undertake the study. His other biggest support came from his family and friends. He pointed out that he had to change his lifestyle to be able to focus on the LLD, and had to put some of his additional commitments on hold, adding that he had limited his social life in order to focus on the LLD, as his studies required plenty of hours of work.

Dr Svicevic is currently pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) South African Research Chair in International Law. He is also working on some publications and a book proposal. He said that his future plans include furthering the research that he has already been engaged in and hopes to take it further at UJ and perhaps return to UP one day. Dr Svicevic pointed out that he is passionate about international law and also has a strong interest in legal interpretation, human rights and constitutional law.

De Rebus asked Dr Svicevic that if he was given the opportunity to change anything in South Africa’s justice system, what would it be? Dr Svicevic said that, he would like to see justice being more accessible to everyone; more specifically to ground level individuals. ‘Despite the ongoing strides made, justice in South Africa still seems out of reach for many in many areas of the law. Social and economic circumstances still dictate to a great extent whether one is able to pursue and ultimately witness justice in South Africa.’

Dr Svicevic’s message to others who might want to follow in his footsteps and obtain an LLD is that hard work pays off. He said it often seems an impossible task but taking things one day at a time eventually gets one ahead. He added that he would encourage those who would want to study for an LLD to make use of every resource at their disposal – whether it be consulting with lecturers or making use of library services.  ‘We have to bear in mind that higher education in South Africa remains very limited – and if you are fortunate enough to get the chance to study at a university, make use of every opportunity. Also, never be afraid to ask for help, whether it is personal or academic. Success is seldom achieved alone, and it is important to reach out to others and let them help you on your journey,’ he said.

Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.

 

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