Law Department of the State University of Iowa.

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of case study is unquestionable. Chief object of the study of law in Law Schools is among them is the drill and discipline which different from that proposed in the study the student acquires in the fundamental of the subjects of a collegiate course. Lanmethods of the common law. It can reason guages.history, philosophy, mathematics, even ably be insisted that a learner knows better the sciences (except in scientific schools), are how a thing is done after doing it than by pursued for the discipline to be acquired. simply being told. Moreover this is akin to The advantages of particular studies, in the the experimental method in science which profitable information to be obtained, may be has produced such marvellous advances in urged, but no one will claim that information

for practical purposes knowledge. The stu is the sole object to be dent's interest is kept borne in mind in se awakened by the pleas lecting or presenting urable excitement of these subjects. The discovery, and a sense study of law unques of originality in his tionably affords an ex labors. Nothing in cellent mental disci the study or practice of law is so exciting pline. In that respect as "running down" it is inferior to none of the social sciences. the authorities on a It has also a collateral particular point, go practical value as a ing from case to case bearing upon the ques preparation for busi ness and for the duties tion, and thus coming of citizenship, and in at it . from all sides until every difficulty a popular government is removed, or until a such preparation is ex well marked conflict ceedingly important. of views is reached, In these two aspects which may be settled legal studies might by weighing the con. well be given a place in the college curri siderations urged on one side and the other, culum, as they are in JAMES M. LOVE. and determining the some colleges and es relative importance to pecially in England. be attached to them, This is an exercise, But Law Schools are not maintained prima however, in which the student is to be rily for giving this mental discipline, or this indulged with moderation. There is great preparation for citizenship and general man danger that he be misled into wasting much agement of business. They are organized time upon side issues, as to which he will and maintained to prepare the students for get erroneous impressions; and the investi the practice of law. It will probably not be gations which he makes for himself are to questioned that nine tenths of those who be looked upon as valuable exercise, rather enroll themselves in such schools expect to than the acquisition of reliable knowledge. practise law as a profession. In the same But over against these somewhat dazzling way the study of medicine is undoubtedly recommendations of the merits of the pecu interesting in itself, a source of mental dis liar system of case study, must be set certain cipline and of a valuable knowledge of things considerations of a different character. The which one may advantageously know, but Si