The following recommended reading list has been compiled for prospective law students by staff at the University of Dayton School of Law. This list provides an introductory sampling of publications which may be of interest to those individuals who are giving throught to entering law school.
U.S. JUDICIAL SYSTEM
The Nature of the Judicial Process
Cardozo, Benjamin N.
Yale University Press (1921)
A compilation of famous lectures given by Judge Cardozo at Yale University Law School.
Simple Justice: The History of Brown v. Board of Education And Black America's Struggle for Equality
Kluger, Richard.
Knopf (1976)
The landmark case that ended the "separate but equal" doctrine.
The Bramble Bush: Our Law and Its Study
Llewllyn, Karl N.
Oceana Publications, Inc. (1951)
Classic collection of essays on the law and our legal system.
Gideon's Trumpet
Lewis, Anthony
Random House (1964)
True story of Clarence Earl Gideon's prison appeal to the Supreme Court that resulted in a defendant's right to counsel.
Miracle at Philadelphia: The Story of the Constitutional Convention
Bowen, Catherine Drinker
Little, Brown & Co. (1966)
Relates the events surrounding the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action
Alderman & Kennedy
Morrow (1991)
An examination of the Bill of Rights and many of the primary cases involving the first ten amendments.
The Supreme Court
Baum, Lawrence
Congressional Quarterly Press, Inc. (1989)
Overview of the election, confirmation, removal and retirement of a supreme court justice.
Biography
Attorney for the Damned: Clarence Darrow in the Courtroom
Weinberg, Arthur
The University of Chicago Press (1989)
The account of the courtroom battles of one of our greatest litigators.
John Marshall: A Life in Law
Baker, Leonard
Macmillan Co. (1974)
Biography of Justice John Marshall, whose leadership established much of the Supreme Court's authority.
Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All
Goldman, Roger
Carroll Graf (1992)
A review of the life and career of our first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
A Season for Justice: The Life and Times of Civil Rights Lawyer Morris Dees
Dees, Morris (with Steve Fiffer)
Macmillan Co. (1991)
Informative look at one of America's foremost civil Rights.
Law School
Barron's Guide to Law Schools
Barron's Educational Services, Inc. (1993)
From Here to Attorney:nThe Ultimate Guide to Excelling in law School and Launching Your Legal Career
Arnett II., J. Robert (et. al.)
Professional Publications, Inc. (1993)
Learning the Law: Success in Law School and Beyond
Frank, Steven J.
Carol Publishing Group (1992)
The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools
Law School Admission Council (Published Annually)
This annual profiles all A.B.A. approved law schools. (Available through Law Services)
One L: An Inside Account of Life in the First Year of Harvard Law School
Turow, Scott
Putnam (1977)
Relates the experience and anxiety of a first-year law student.
Preparation For The LSAT
The official LSAT PrepTest (various versions)
The Official LSAT PrepKit: The Official LSAT PrepBook
Law School Admission Council (Published Annually)
These publications provide simulated test question s and answers, with hints and explanations by the organization which administers the LSAT.
(These publications may be purchased by phoning LSAS at (215) 968-1314, or by writing to Box 2000, Newtown PA 18940-0998.)
LSAT: Law School Admission Test
Martinson, Thomas II
Arco Publishing (1991)
Simmons College Career Resource Library
All items below are located on the Law shelf, unless otherwise indicated.
Alumni/ae in Action. 1991.
This book offers personal perspectives on careers in public service using detailed interviews with attorneys currently working in the field. The interviews are grouped by practice area.
Career in Law. 1992
An information-packed guide which gives detailed overviews of the legal profession today and major practice areas. Also offers advice on skills, values and career paths, including comprehensive appendices with information about American Bar Association approval and law schools.
Choosing a Career in Law. 1991.
This book describes and gives practical advice about the different aspects of the study of law — the application process, joint degree programs, structure programs, etc. Also a comprehensive list of additional reading sources.
Full Disclosure: Do You Really Want to Be a Lawyer? 1989.
This book covers many aspects of choosing a career in the law — from choosing a law school to describing types of practice. It has an excellent chapter on Women in Law, which gives insight about the special challenges encountered by women in the field.
How to Land Your First Paralegal Job. 1992.
A comprehensive guide which gives an overview of the field and offers practical advice about training, resumes and cover letters, interviewing and salary negotiations.
Paralegal: An Insider's Guide to the Fastest-Growing Occupation of the 1990s. 1990.
The who, what, where, why and how of paralegal work. Also offers a comprehensive list of paralegal training programs by state.
Peterson's Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health and Law. 1994.
Graduate Study and College Information Shelf.
Gives information on programs, entrance and degree requirements, and financial aid.
Women in Law. 1981.
Offers historical facts on women in the profession and advice on managing and coping as a women in law school and in the profession.