Socratic method is associated with law school teaching by which students are asked questions in class that require them to analyze cases and derive legal principles. Despite the method's potential benefits, students usually do not view it as supportive and enriching but rather as a kind of survival ritual. As a pedagogical approach for use in any…

It is proposed that a few "destinct and lively pictures" be included in teaching materials in order to stimulate study of constitutional law instruction. A picture is seen as a door to ideas. (MLW)

Criticizes an article in the April 1978 issue of "Teaching Political Science" in which R. Langren maintained that case-decision identification and factual recall serve as good bases for a study of constitutional law. Current article maintains that law-related courses in a liberal arts context should stress good citizenship and critical analysis of…

This article argues that the culture and practice of legal education in the United States functions to dehumanize law students and potentially produce one-dimensional lawyers in the service of corporate interests and the capitalist status quo. These lawyers are trained to serve not only as the guardians of legal rights, social entitlements and…

The law is seen as the single most powerful social force preserving and legitimating the prevailing distribution of power in U.S. society. Questions of social justice ought not to be irrelevant or peripheral to the study of law. Meaningful and enduring change in legal education is seen as illusory. (MLW)

It is argued that the Socratic method of teaching law as depicted in the book, movie, and TV series "Paper Chase" is not really the Socratic method at all. The genuine Socratic method and the questioning technique used in "Paper Chase" are examined and their appropriateness and effectiveness as methods for teaching contract law…

Small-group learning, it is suggested, has several benefits for law students that they cannot otherwise obtain. The work of scholars in the social sciences can help to better understand ways in which to structure and facilitate the use of small groups in the law school curriculum. (Author/MLW)

A discussion of the new era of legal education in Russia examines the general structure of the legal system and related careers, legal education within and outside the universities, costs, and curriculum design. A more detailed look at the St. Petersburg State University law school examines the curriculum, teaching methods, testing, instructional…