Recently I came across a lawsuit against Belford University filed by The Googasian Firm, P.C. It was a class action lawsuit. Not being a technical person myself, I will be discussing the case in question on ethical grounds along with few imperative facets, legal and otherwise.

Let me introduce both the parties involved in this case to you. Googasian happens to be a legal firm that works for social welfare and introduces themselves as the one who “helps those who are victims of unfair, deceptive and abusive practices”. Belford University, on the other hand, happens to be an educational institute that awards degrees to people on the basis of their professional experience (also known as life experience degrees).

The concept of degrees based on prior learning stems from the government initiative of awarding army personnel relevant diplomas and degrees based on their service to the country so that when they complete their tenure, they are not left behind professionally. This concept served as an inspiration and many educational institutions followed suit by starting their own distinctive programs that were eventually accepted by employers and universities. This was, to an extent, abused by scamming corporations as well and many students had to suffer when diploma mills took their money and vanished into thin air.

Googasian recently won an impressive settlement amount against a university that was apparently involved with scamming and awarding unaccredited degrees. Winning always motivates one and ignites human greed-obviously I mean generically and not pointing fingers at anyone in particular. Anyhow, so the legal firm filed a case and Belford would obviously defend itself.

But I believe the case shouldn’t proceed at all-yes, it is as baseless as that! Amongst many reasons, let me share the two most eminent ones:

This case has been filed with US court when Belford doesn’t fall under US jurisdiction. When a legal firm makes a blunder so obvious, I cannot help looking for something fishy. Is it money again? Could this lawsuit be prompted by unhealthy competition? Is it geared towards defaming Belford? Many such suspicious questions sprout their ugly heads and blur the vision-making truth a hazy and distant element.

Secondly, the terms and condition stated on the website clearly protect Belford from this particular complaint lodged by Googasian. Such slip-ups by a legal firm-who happens to provide legal aid to people makes me question the credibility of the firm itself.

By no means do I consider myself authoritative enough to decide who is wrong and who was wronged or give a definite verdict. I only shared what I thought of this particular case and of dire consequences either of the parties will face once the guilty one is unveiled.

Disclaimer:

“All trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners”