Kara Sears
Law school is expensive, and some people may prefer to teach themselves instead. While it is possible to learn about the law without going to law school, it is difficult to gain a complete understanding of the law without the background knowledge and practical experience that a law degree provides. However, there are many resources available for those who want to learn about the law outside of a formal education setting, such as law school textbooks, online courses, and legal institutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Law has its own language and history, which are not easily accessible. |
| Practical knowledge | Law schools do not teach practical knowledge. |
| Cost | Law school is expensive. |
| Books | Law school textbooks are useful for learning how to analyse cases and think like a lawyer, but they are not great at teaching principles of law. |
| Online resources | Cornell's online legal institute is an excellent online resource that covers a wide variety of law topics. |
| Free courses | Coursera has some free courses on law given by universities such as Yale. |
| Bar exam | Studying for the bar exam might be a stretch, but you can get a review book that covers all the major points. |
| Law as a hobby | Knowing how to read a contract, a property deed, how to sue someone, and knowing your rights are all benefits to learning law. |
| Law as a profession | To practice law, you must be a licensed attorney. |
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What You'll Learn
Law school textbooks
Textbooks are a crucial component of any law school curriculum, providing students with the foundational knowledge and principles of legal doctrines. While some individuals advocate for purchasing textbooks, others suggest renting or even avoiding them altogether. The decision ultimately depends on personal preferences and financial considerations.
Purchasing textbooks offers the advantage of ownership, allowing students to make notes and highlight important passages. However, this option can be costly, and the books may not be used extensively after the course ends. For those who intend to keep their textbooks for future reference, it is essential to consider the dynamic nature of the law, as older editions may not reflect the most current legal developments.
Renting textbooks is a more cost-effective alternative, especially for those on a tight budget. It provides temporary access to the required reading materials without the long-term financial commitment associated with purchasing. However, renting may not be ideal for those who prefer to make extensive notes or highlights in their books.
Some students opt to avoid buying or renting textbooks altogether and instead utilise their law library's resources. They can borrow casebooks from the library, scan the relevant sections, and return them. This approach can save significant amounts of money, but it may be more time-consuming and might not offer the same level of convenience as having a personal copy.
Another factor to consider when acquiring law school textbooks is the availability of supplementary materials. Some textbooks come with online portals that provide outlines, case summaries, and other resources that can greatly aid in note-taking and understanding the material. Additionally, older editions of textbooks can be a more affordable option, but it is essential to cross-reference them with the latest editions to ensure the information is up to date.
In conclusion, while law school textbooks are essential for legal education, the decision to purchase, rent, or avoid them depends on individual preferences and financial considerations. Students should carefully weigh the benefits of ownership against the costs and explore alternative options, such as utilising library resources and supplementary materials, to make the most informed decision for their educational journey.
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Online resources
For example, users on r/law suggest Cornell's online legal institute as an excellent online resource covering a wide variety of law topics. They also recommend SCOTUSBlog for insights into current supreme court cases and bar exam review books for an overview of the major points of law. Another user mentions that they learned more law in a 10-12 week bar prep course than they did in 3 years of law school.
Supplementary materials are also suggested as a way to learn law online. For instance, the Nutshell series and Glannon's Examples and Explanations are recommended for teaching the basic principles in a particular field of law. Similarly, hornbooks and the Examples and Explanation series are mentioned on r/Ask_Lawyers as great resources for learning an overview of the major points of specific areas of law.
Other online resources mentioned include the Rutter Practice Guides, which can be useful for those looking for more practical knowledge. Additionally, some users suggest enrolling in Barbri or Cali to gain a rudimentary understanding of what law students typically learn. However, it is important to note that some law school textbooks can be challenging to decode without a teacher, so having access to professors during office hours can be beneficial.
While online resources can be a great way to learn about the law, it is also important to focus on developing strong writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as these will be essential tools for any aspiring lawyer.
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Law dictionaries
Some well-known law dictionaries include Black's, Ballentine's, and Bouvier's. Stanford University's library has current and historical editions of these dictionaries, as well as online versions. Stanford University also has a variety of other legal dictionaries, including Oran's, which is a comprehensive law dictionary created for paralegals and law-related professionals. It includes nearly 6,000 main headings and 12,000 definitions and can be used as a reference tool or an informal method of learning about the law.
Other law dictionaries include the Encyclopaedic Australian Legal Dictionary (Lexis Advance), which is one of the few online Australian legal dictionaries, and the Oxford Dictionary of Law (UK), which is particularly useful for finding definitions of Latin or archaic words and phrases not legally defined in Australia.
For those interested in learning about the law, law school textbooks can be useful for learning how to analyze cases and think like a lawyer. However, digests like the Nutshell series are often better for teaching the basic principles in a particular field of law. Online resources like Cornell's legal institute and Coursera's free courses can also be excellent tools for learning about the law.
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Law as a profession
Law is a highly regarded profession that is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a strong academic foundation, typically gained through a law degree or equivalent qualification. While it is possible to learn about the law without attending law school, those seeking to practise law as attorneys or lawyers typically need to obtain a license to practise, which involves passing state bar exams or other jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Law school equips students with the analytical skills and legal knowledge necessary to interpret and apply the law effectively. It teaches students to think like lawyers, providing them with a strong understanding of legal concepts, case analysis, and the ability to construct legal arguments. However, some critics argue that law schools fall short in providing practical knowledge and preparing students for the realities of legal practice.
To become a competent legal practitioner, one must develop a set of mental reflexes and gain experience in the trenches. This can be achieved through internships, clerkships, or entry-level positions in law firms or legal organisations. Working alongside experienced lawyers allows aspiring legal professionals to witness the day-to-day workings of the legal system, develop their legal research and writing skills, and gain exposure to different areas of law.
The path to becoming a lawyer varies across jurisdictions. In some countries, aspiring lawyers must complete a bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or an equivalent graduate law degree, followed by a period of practical training or a bar exam. In other jurisdictions, a multi-step process involving academic studies, vocational training, and supervised practice may be required.
While the road to becoming a lawyer can be challenging and competitive, it offers a diverse range of career opportunities. Lawyers can choose to specialise in various areas of law, such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, or international law, among others. They can work in private practice, government agencies, non-profit organisations, or in-house for corporations.
In conclusion, law as a profession demands a strong academic foundation, practical training, and a commitment to continuous learning. It offers intellectual stimulation, the opportunity to advocate for justice, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
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Law school vs self-study
Law school is a formal educational program that provides a comprehensive understanding of legal concepts, ideas, and leading cases across various fields of law. It offers structured coursework, lectures, seminars, and opportunities for practical application through moot courts and internships. Law school graduates earn a recognised degree, which is often a prerequisite for bar admission and legal employment. However, law school may not provide practical knowledge about running a law firm or the day-to-day realities of legal practice.
Self-studying law, on the other hand, offers flexibility and the ability to focus on specific areas of interest. Individuals can study law as a hobby or to advocate for legal reform without intending to practice law. Online resources, textbooks, hornbooks, outlines, and free online courses from platforms like Coursera and Cornell's online legal institute can be used for self-study. Additionally, bar exam review books, digests, and case opinions are useful for understanding legal principles and preparing for bar exams in some states that offer apprenticeships or alternative paths to licensure.
One advantage of law school is the opportunity for mentorship and networking with peers and faculty, which can be beneficial for career development. Law school also provides a structured curriculum that ensures a well-rounded legal education, covering various fields of law and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. While self-study allows for specialisation and deep dives into specific legal topics, it may not offer the same level of mental reflexes and analytical thinking that formal law school education provides.
However, self-study is more affordable and accessible, especially with the availability of online resources and free courses. It is ideal for those who want a basic understanding of the law or wish to complement their knowledge in their respective fields. For instance, engineers can benefit from knowing how to read contracts and understanding the scope of work and liability.
In conclusion, both law school and self-study have their advantages. Law school provides a formal legal education, mentorship, and networking opportunities, leading to a recognised degree and career prospects. Self-study offers flexibility, affordability, and the ability to focus on specific areas of interest without necessarily pursuing legal practice. The choice between the two depends on individual goals, resources, and the level of competence required.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to teach yourself law. There are many resources available, such as law school textbooks, online courses, and legal institutes that can provide a good understanding of legal principles and how to think like a lawyer. However, self-study may not offer the same depth of knowledge and practical skills as a formal law school education.
Some recommended resources include:
- Law school casebooks and study guides
- Digests, such as the Nutshell series, for understanding basic principles in different fields of law
- Online resources like Cornell's legal institute and SCOTUSBlog
- Free online courses on platforms like Coursera
- Bar exam review books for an overview of major legal points
- Law dictionaries, such as Black's Law Dictionary
Teaching yourself law can save money and allow you to focus on specific areas of interest. It can provide a good understanding of legal concepts and how to apply them in certain contexts. Additionally, self-study can be a great way to develop a hobby or supplement knowledge in a related field.
No, you cannot practice law without a license. Practicing law without a license can lead to prosecution. While self-study can provide a solid foundation in legal knowledge, it does not qualify you to work as a lawyer or provide legal advice. To become a licensed attorney, you typically need to attend law school, pass the bar exam, and meet other requirements specific to your jurisdiction.
