There are probably as many different teaching styles in law courses as there are law professors. However, most first-year law classes are run according to the “Socratic method” of question and reply. Unlike undergraduate courses that normally use a lecture format, professors of first-year law classes direct their questions to individual students regarding decisions made in actual court cases.

Students are expected to have studied these cases in advance, and must address the professor’s questions directly. Students are also expected to draw on their knowledge of legal principles when answering questions. Participation is usually mandatory and the experience can often be intimidating.

Questions may also come from the students themselves during discussions. The professor’s answers to these questions are usually not conclusive; they are more likely to lead the discussion toward further issues and possibilities.

The course grades assigned in law school are generally based on a small number of exams and assignments. Students are expected to maintain a steady pace of reading casebooks and other texts. Staying on top of the assigned reading is the only way to prepare for class discussions, and it is essential for success on the all-important exams.

Most law schools set a number of required courses for first-year students. Required courses usually cover key legal principles and provide a foundation for further study⁽¹⁾.

Required courses are likely be set in the following areas:

· Contracts - Examines agreements and promises that are enforceable by law. Contracts are part of almost every field of legal study.

· Torts - Deals with disputes in which someone has caused damage or injury to a person or property. In these cases, the court can impose a civil, rather than a criminal, penalty.

· Civil procedure - Concentrates on litigation, dispute resolution, rules and powers of the court, as well as the process of initiating and conducting lawsuits.

· Criminal law - Examines the criminal justice system and the roles that judges, juries, prosecutors, and defense attorneys play. The defense and rights of the accused are also discussed.

· Constitutional law - Constitutional law is usually studied with reference to important Supreme Court decisions. Courses in this field examine the structure of governments, the judiciary, and the rights of the individual.

· Property law - This course usually has a historical component and examines the origins of modern property laws. Various types of relationships and transactions concerning the possession of land and goods are discussed.

· Legal research methods and writing - These courses introduce students to the methods and resources used in finding legal information. Writing basic documents such as memoranda and briefs is usually covered. The skills learned in these courses are often put into practice during “moot court” exercises.