What is the Socratic Method, and why it is important for Law School?

Hello,

Law professors will often use the Socratic Method to teach cases, it can be hard, but it really helps knowing the case.
The way professors may use the Socratic method varies, they may choose one student for each class, or they may decide to go down a list alphabetically. Once the professor calls on a student he may ask them a few questions about the case, if the student is unprepared, the professor may question him several times until he gets he right answer, or being not impressed with the student’s performance, may tell him to sit down.
Some professors may ask specific question such as “what is the issue of the case?” or “what is the holding?” The easiest way to prepare for this is to have a brief available for each case, some professors may ask very specific questions about the case, some will ask more general questions like to describe what happened in the case, either way it’s best to be prepared.
An important tip is to learn what each professor’s style is, and what they are looking for, this will help when preparing for a certain class.
It’s also smart to take notes throughout the class, because usually the only test given at the end of the semester will have material from lectures and case briefs.

Until next time...