Pre Law

B.A in Political Science || Minor in Political Science || MPA Program || MA Program || Pre-Law

PRE-LAW AT ASU

Contact Information:

Department of English & Philosophy
Contact: Dr. Charles Carr
Tel: 972-3043
Email: crcarr@astate.edu

Department of Political Science
Contact: Dr. Richard Wang
Tel: 972-3048
Email: rwang@astate.edu

Department of History
Contact: Dr. Phyllis Pobst
Tel: 972-3046
Email: ppobst@astate.edu

Political Science Pre-Law Advisor
Contact: Dr. Hans Hacker
Tel: 972-3048
Email: hhacker@astate.edu

Department of History
Contact: LaQuita K. Saunders, J.D.
Tel: 972-3046
Email: lsaunder@astate.edu

Law students come from a variety of majors because law is everywhere in America. It's in politics, banking and finance, public policy and economics. It's even in sports, music, art, and film. And, law has only become more important in our globalized economy. Because of this, law schools insist there is no single preferred undergraduate major for law school.
So, if law is everywhere and law schools don't require any particular major, why study law as an undergraduate?

Law school may teach you the mechanics of the law, but rarely will you consider how law effects our lives and our society. You will not have much time to discuss the justice and fairness of civil rights, economics, politics and public policy. At Arkansas State, we take what is called the "Law and Society" approach. We study law as a part of society that organizes our social, political and economic interaction. Law is a concept that can explain and reveal much about our society and its values. Thus, the study of law will introduce you to a range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, economics, philosophy, history, political science and criminology (just to name a few).

Unfortunately, law schools are not particularly well suited for this kind of legal education. However, the study of law in your undergraduate curriculum will provide you with exactly what law schools are looking for in potential students - a broad background in various subjects, a rigorous course of study with emphasis on writing, arguing, analyzing and learning how to learn. Law schools want students with a “well rounded education.” Now THAT is a good reason to study law as an undergraduate!

RECOMMENDED COURSES: While there is no single major, there are some areas of study/skills which will be particularly helpful. Over twenty years ago the American Association of Law Schools suggested some course background that every law student should have. That report mentioned

Economics: Economics is becoming increasingly important in the law.
Writing Classes: Take courses which will make you write and which will improve your writing skills.
Logic or Mathematics Classes: These are recommended for the precise reasoning skills required.
History or Government Classes: Every law student should understand government processes and be well grounded in history
Ethics: An understanding of the moral dimensions of life is essential.
Undergraduate Law Courses: AALS says these might be taken to see if you are interested in the law, but not as preparing for law school.
Psychology: Every law student should be familiar with the sciences of human behavior.

PRE-LAW ADVICE: Normally your major advisor is the best source of information on courses to take, but if you have questions he or she cannot answer there are liberal arts pre-law advisors who can help you.

PRE-LAW CLUB: The College of Humanities and Social Sciences sponsors a pre-law club for students. Contact: Dr. Laquita Saunders (History) lsaunders@astate.edu , or Hans Hacker (Political Science) hhacker@astate.edu .

ASU MOOT COURT TEAM: The College also sponsors a competitive team thata argues in regional and national competitions usually held in law schools and judges by students, practicing lawyers and sitting judges. It is a great opportunity to learn how to make a legal argument as if before the Supreme Court of the United States. Contact the coach: Hans Hacker (Political Science) hhacker@astate.edu.