Law in Context: Teaching Legal Studies through the Lens of Extra-Legal Sources

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  • Author(s): Miller, Sandra K.; DiMatteo, Larry A.
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journal of Legal Studies Education. Sum 2012 29(2):155-189.
  • Physical Description:
    PDF
  • Publication Date:
    2012
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Descriptive
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      35
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Law Related Education; Teaching Methods; College Instruction; Interdisciplinary Approach; Humanities; Social Sciences; Critical Thinking; Thinking Skills; Empathy; Learner Engagement; Nonfiction; Films; Novels; Books; Civil Rights; Criminal Law; Legal Responsibility; Courts; Lawyers; Terrorism; Constitutional Law; Equal Protection; Racial Discrimination; Equal Opportunities (Jobs); Class Activities
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/j.1744-1722.2012.01104.x
    • ISSN:
      0896-5811
    • Abstract:
      The purpose of this article is to persuade legal studies teachers of the benefits of using works from other disciplines to illustrate the rationales for law, the greater context in which the legal order operates, and the relationship between law and society. The tangential benefits of using works from other disciplines are the enhancement of the joy of teaching, improvement of the attention and imagination of students, and the broadening of the minds of students who may lack a broad exposure to the humanities. Some maintain that instruction in the humanities is a critical tool in shaping democratic citizens. Materials from the humanities and social sciences or "Extra-Legal Sources" (ELS) engage students in different ways and are well suited to teaching students possessing a range of individual learning styles. The value of an interdisciplinary approach to teaching legal studies is that it provides another means to enhance student understanding. Part I provides an introduction to the use of ELS in the curriculum to teach legal studies. It provides a brief overview of the literature dealing with ELS. It discusses the nature of the interdisciplinary approach to legal studies teaching, prior literature, and how the current recommendations build upon the work of prior legal education scholars. Part II addresses how ELS can broaden critical thinking skills, and engage students on both an emotional and a cognitive level. Part III focuses on four sources that provide a rich, interdisciplinary context for discussing legal principles including works relating to the trial of Adolph Eichmann, a penetrating film on the corruption of law, "Hitler's Courts: Betrayal of the Rule of Law in Nazi Germany," a classic adventure story, "Lord of the Flies," and the book "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett. Part IV provides classroom examples of how specific assignments drawing from these sources can enrich a business school or law school curriculum. (Contains 105 footnotes.)
    • Abstract:
      ERIC
    • Publication Date:
      2012
    • Accession Number:
      EJ976832