Understanding the Socratic Method in Law School Teaching After the Carnegie Foundation's Educating Lawyers: Preparation for the Legal Profession

Joseph A. Dickinson, Frinklin Pierce Law Center

Abstract

For many committed law school teachers, the traditional Socratic pedagogy they practice is the irreducible core of legal education. For others its continued practice is a scandal and,more damning, an impediment to learning the practice of law. The Carnegie Foundation's Educating Lawyers: chose not to take a position in this debate, while framing it, thus leaving its call for reform ungrounded.