Academics: A Different Program

The School of Law maintains an academic program consistent with its character and goals. The curriculum is the product of the thought of legal educators, lawyers, judges, and lay persons. It is not static, and constant evaluation and revision of the program have occurred and will continue through the years in order to meet the needs of Campbell's students and the public they will serve. Several features of Campbell's program are unique and worthy of mention.

While relying heavily on the case method of study, particularly in the first year, methods of instruction will vary widely from class to class, depending upon the material to be taught. Instruction is geared not only to impart knowledge, but also to develop the mental skills and attitudes essential to the successful practice of law.

The Campbell curriculum is designed to provide a systematic building process for development of skills, attitudes, and a comprehensive body of essential knowledge. For example, while the study of any course indirectly involves the study of the philosophy of law and most law schools offer electives in jurisprudence, few require direct study of this most important subject. Campbell requires a first-year jurisprudence/foundations of law course. This survey of legal thought serves as a foundation for the second- and third-year courses and the practice of law.

In the same manner that the required second- and third-year advocacy courses bring into focus the interrelationship of courses required in the first two years of the law school, the first-year foundation courses provide a means for visualizing the usefulness of the advanced curriculum and a framework for construction of a sound legal education and law practice.