The J.D. program provides students with grounding in the fundamental laws, theories, ethics, and procedures of our legal system, preparing them for their roles as lawyers and professionals in society. Understanding the history, principles, and purposes of legal institutions and how they operate in the modern world, and developing legal skills and ethical principles are emphasized. Methods The Law School uses a variety of teaching methods, including traditional Socratic instruction, tutorial seminars, computer-assisted instruction, and clinical and simulated skills training. The basic form of instruction is the case and problem method, which centers on the critical study and discussion of decisions by courts and administrative agencies. The decisions selected for study reflect both the evolution of the law and the efforts to arrive at satisfactory solutions to difficult current problems.
Instructors also make use of textual and legislative materials.
Study of decisions, texts, and legislation is supplemented with hypothetical and real problems that students consider and solve. The primary value of this method is that the student gains experience seeking the best solution to a problem, rather than simply acquiring an understanding of a decision reached by the court. The end product sought by the Law School is a lawyer thoroughly grounded in knowledge and understanding of past legal tradition and present law, prepared to resolve new and difficult legal problems. Tutorial instruction is used extensively to develop the student's ability to solve problems. Beginning in the first-year legal writing program, every student is given specific problems to resolve through independent research and study, resulting in preparation of legal memoranda and an appellate brief.