Reference

In the second half of the 19th century, the Faculty of Law underwent significant transformations influenced by broader societal, economic, and legal changes. Here are some key changes:

1. Shift Towards Formal Legal Education: Before the latter half of the 19th century, many lawyers were trained through apprenticeships rather than formal education. The second half of the 19th century saw the rise of formal legal education with the establishment of more law schools and faculties. This change aimed to professionalize the practice of law and ensure a uniform standard of legal knowledge and skill.

2. Curriculum Development: Law schools began to adopt more structured and comprehensive curricula. Courses became more specialized, reflecting the increasing complexity of the legal system. Subjects such as corporate law, administrative law, and international law started to feature more prominently.

3. Move Towards the Case Method: Harvard Law School, under the leadership of Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell, pioneered the "case method" of teaching in the 1870s. This method focused on the study of judicial decisions and precedents rather than purely reading legal texts. This pedagogical shift emphasized critical thinking and practical analysis over rote memorization.

4. Growth in Faculty and Facilities: Law faculties expanded both in terms of faculty members and physical facilities. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing number of students and the increasing demand for legal education.

5. Influence of Industrialization: The industrial revolution had a profound impact on legal education. The growth of cities and changes in economic structures necessitated new areas of legal practice, such as labor law and corporate law, and these were incorporated into the law school curriculum.

6. Introduction of Legal Clinics and Practical Training: Towards the end of the 19th century, legal education began to include more practical training opportunities. This included moot courts, legal clinics, and internships that allowed students to gain hands-on experience.

7. Professionalization and Codification: There was a broader movement towards the professionalization of legal practice, including efforts at codifying laws to make legal principles clearer and more accessible. This movement was reflected in the content and structure of law education.

These changes collectively aimed to improve the quality of legal education and ensure that new lawyers were well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing legal landscape.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the provided sources:

• PDF on the Progression of Change in American Legal Education
• Historical overview of law schools' evolution
• History of the American legal profession.