I should add that these people had not studied law themselves. Studying law is not dry. Studying law is about many things, but law is primarily a conversation - whether an argument, or a theoretical discussion, or an analysis of legal principles. Law is a dynamic field of study which is constantly evolving and changing. Law is about more than dry rules.
Parties only go to court because there is an argument as to the content of the law.
This extraordinary world in which we live is constantly generating factual situations in which it is not clear at all whether or not X applies on a particular set of facts. The study of law is therefore a conversation between the different points of view. Studying law involves analysing the way in which the British constitution functions. It involves the ways in which the actions of central government and other public bodies can be subjected to judicial review. Of central importance is the Human Rights Act 1998 which does not come into full force and effect until October 2000.