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University of Chicago Law School Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The University of Chicago Law School: History and Profile

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The University of Chicago Law School: History and Profile Study Guide

Founding Principles and Early Development (1902-1930s)

The University of Chicago Law School was established in the early 20th century, specifically in 1902.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School commenced operations in 1902, marking its establishment as a significant institution for legal education.

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President William Rainey Harper's primary vision for the law school was to create a purely academic institution focused solely on legal theory.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Harper envisioned the law school as a means to improve democratic government by ensuring strong individuals were placed in control of the nation's business, rather than focusing exclusively on legal theory.

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Ernst Freund advocated for a strictly traditional legal curriculum, excluding subjects like history and political science.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ernst Freund was an advocate for an interdisciplinary approach, influencing the law school to incorporate subjects beyond traditional legal studies, including history and political science.

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Harvard Law School's Dean James Barr Ames conditioned Joseph Henry Beale's deanship on the new Chicago school adopting methods distinct from Harvard's.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dean James Barr Ames conditioned Joseph Henry Beale's deanship on the Chicago school adopting methods similar to Harvard's, although he also expressed reservations about the proposed curriculum's breadth.

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The University of Chicago Law School opened its doors for classes in October 1902.

Answer: True

Explanation: The law school officially commenced classes on October 1, 1902, marking the beginning of its academic operations.

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John D. Rockefeller funded the construction of the law school's first building.

Answer: True

Explanation: The construction costs for the law school's initial building were provided by John D. Rockefeller.

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The University of Chicago Law School was among the first law schools in the U.S. to require a college degree for admission.

Answer: True

Explanation: In its early period, the University of Chicago Law School was one of only five institutions nationwide to mandate a college degree as an admission prerequisite.

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Sophonisba Breckinridge was the first male graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sophonisba Breckinridge was the first woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School in 1904; she was not the first male graduate.

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Earl B. Dickerson, the first African-American graduate, is honored by having the school's main library named after him.

Answer: False

Explanation: Earl B. Dickerson, the first African-American graduate, is honored by the naming of the Black Law Students Association, not the school's main library.

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Under Dean Harry A. Bigelow, the law school began incorporating economics and psychology into its curriculum.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Dean Harry A. Bigelow's tenure, the law school initiated the incorporation of economics and psychology into its curriculum, reflecting an early move towards interdisciplinary legal education.

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A chapter of the Federalist Society was established at the University of Chicago Law School in 1982.

Answer: True

Explanation: A chapter of the Federalist Society, a conservative and libertarian legal organization, was established at the University of Chicago Law School in 1982.

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What was President William Rainey Harper's core belief regarding the purpose of the University of Chicago Law School?

Answer: To improve democratic government by placing strong individuals in control of the country's business.

Explanation: President Harper envisioned the law school as a means to improve democratic government by ensuring strong individuals were placed in control of the nation's business.

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Which institution's ideals did Dean James Barr Ames want the University of Chicago Law School to emulate as a condition for Joseph Henry Beale's deanship?

Answer: Harvard Law School

Explanation: Dean James Barr Ames conditioned Joseph Henry Beale's deanship on the Chicago school adopting ideals and methods similar to those of Harvard Law School.

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Who was hired to teach property law and influenced the curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach, despite objections from Dean Ames?

Answer: Ernst Freund

Explanation: Ernst Freund was hired to teach property law and advocated for an interdisciplinary approach, influencing the law school's curriculum beyond traditional legal studies.

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Who laid the cornerstone for the law school's initial building, which was funded by John D. Rockefeller?

Answer: U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation: U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone for the law school's initial building, which was funded by John D. Rockefeller.

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What was a notable characteristic of the University of Chicago Law School's admission requirements in its early years?

Answer: It was one of only five U.S. schools requiring a completed college degree.

Explanation: In its early period, the University of Chicago Law School was one of only five institutions nationwide to mandate a college degree as an admission prerequisite.

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Which movement began to influence the law school's curriculum in the 1930s, leading to the offering of economics courses by figures like Aaron Director?

Answer: Law and Economics

Explanation: The Law and Economics movement began to influence the law school's curriculum in the 1930s, leading to the offering of economics courses by figures like Aaron Director.

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Which U.S. President helped organize the Federalist Society chapter at the University of Chicago Law School in 1982?

Answer: Antonin Scalia

Explanation: Justice Antonin Scalia, a former professor at the University of Chicago Law School, helped organize the school's Federalist Society chapter in 1982. He was not President of the United States at that time.

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Academic Programs, Pedagogy, and Student Experience

The Socratic Method at the law school involves professors providing students with answers directly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Socratic Method employed at the law school involves professors challenging students' understanding through questioning, rather than providing direct answers.

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The University of Chicago Law School offers only two legal clinics for practical experience.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School offers seven distinct legal clinics, providing students with substantial opportunities for hands-on legal training.

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For the entering class of 2024, the median LSAT percentile was 175.

Answer: False

Explanation: For the entering class of 2024, the median LSAT score was 172, with the 75th percentile score being 175.

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The University of Chicago Law School requires professors to set the median grade at 177 for classes with more than 10 students.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School mandates that professors establish a median grade of 177 for courses enrolling more than 10 students, ensuring a standardized distribution of grades.

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Graduating 'with highest honors' requires a final average of 182 and is a common achievement.

Answer: False

Explanation: While a final average of 182 is the criterion for graduating 'with highest honors,' it is an exceptionally rare achievement, not a common one.

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The primary degree offered is the Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary graduate degree offered by the University of Chicago Law School is the Juris Doctor (J.D.), although LL.M. programs are also available.

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Joint degree programs are available with the Booth School of Business (M.B.A.) and the Harris School (M.P.P.).

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School offers joint degree programs, including options with the Booth School of Business (J.D./M.B.A.) and the Harris School of Public Policy (J.D./M.P.P.).

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Which degree did the University of Chicago Law School pioneer, which later became the standard graduate degree for law students in the U.S.?

Answer: Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School invented the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which has since become the standard graduate degree for law students in the United States.

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What is the Socratic Method, as used at the University of Chicago Law School?

Answer: A questioning technique where professors challenge students' understanding.

Explanation: The Socratic Method is a teaching technique where professors guide students to discover answers through rigorous questioning and critical analysis of their assumptions.

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How many legal clinics does the University of Chicago Law School offer to provide students with practical experience?

Answer: Seven

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School offers seven distinct legal clinics, providing students with substantial opportunities for hands-on legal training under faculty supervision.

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What is the required median grade for classes with more than 10 students at the University of Chicago Law School?

Answer: 177

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School mandates that professors establish a median grade of 177 for courses enrolling more than 10 students.

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Which of the following is NOT a joint degree program offered with the University of Chicago Law School?

Answer: J.D./Master of Public Health

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School offers joint degrees such as J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.P.P., and J.D./Ph.D., but a J.D./Master of Public Health program is not listed among them.

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Distinguished Faculty, Scholars, and Alumni

Dean Edward Levi's tenure saw significant growth and the addition of influential scholars to the faculty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dean Edward Levi's leadership marked a period of profound growth and expansion for the law school, characterized by the recruitment of influential scholars.

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Soia Mentschikoff was the first male professor appointed to the law school faculty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Soia Mentschikoff was the first woman appointed to the law school faculty in 1951; she was not a male professor.

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Richard Posner and Cass Sunstein are faculty members recognized for their scholarly impact.

Answer: True

Explanation: Richard Posner and Cass Sunstein are faculty members recognized for their significant scholarly impact in legal academia, with their work profoundly influencing legal thought.

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Elena Kagan and Antonin Scalia are former faculty members who later served on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Answer: True

Explanation: Elena Kagan and Antonin Scalia are notable former faculty members of the University of Chicago Law School who subsequently served as Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Barack Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.

Answer: True

Explanation: Barack Obama, prior to his presidency, served as a lecturer on constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School for over a decade.

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Martha Nussbaum, a Kyoto Prize winner, is a current faculty member specializing in nuclear physics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Martha Nussbaum, a distinguished Kyoto Prize winner, is a current faculty member specializing in philosophy and ethics, not nuclear physics.

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Robert Bork, an alumnus, also taught at the University of Chicago Law School and was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Bork, an alumnus of the University of Chicago Law School, also served as a faculty member and was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Edward H. Levi served as Dean of the law school and later as U.S. Attorney General.

Answer: True

Explanation: Edward H. Levi held the positions of Dean of the University of Chicago Law School and later served as the U.S. Attorney General.

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Adam Silver, the current NBA commissioner, is an alumnus of the University of Chicago Law School.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adam Silver, the current commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), is an alumnus of the University of Chicago Law School.

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Sophonisba Breckinridge was the first woman to graduate from the law school and was noted for her work in civil rights.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sophonisba Breckinridge, the first woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School in 1904, was also recognized for her significant contributions to civil rights advocacy.

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Who was the first woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School, and in what year?

Answer: Sophonisba Breckinridge, 1904

Explanation: Sophonisba Breckinridge was the first woman to graduate from the law school in 1904, marking a significant milestone.

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Earl B. Dickerson, the first African-American graduate, is honored by the naming of which student organization?

Answer: The Black Law Students Association

Explanation: Earl B. Dickerson, the first African-American graduate, is honored by the naming of the Black Law Students Association.

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Under which Dean did the law school experience significant growth and expansion, including the addition of influential scholars?

Answer: Edward H. Levi

Explanation: Dean Edward Levi's leadership marked a period of profound growth and expansion for the law school, characterized by the recruitment of influential scholars.

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Who is a prominent faculty member and Kyoto Prize winner known for her work in philosophy and ethics?

Answer: Martha Nussbaum

Explanation: Martha Nussbaum, a prominent faculty member and Kyoto Prize winner, is recognized for her significant contributions to philosophy and ethics.

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Which former U.S. Attorney General also served as Dean of the University of Chicago Law School from 1950 to 1962?

Answer: Edward H. Levi

Explanation: Edward H. Levi served as Dean of the University of Chicago Law School from 1950 to 1962 and subsequently became U.S. Attorney General.

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Scholarly Output: Publications and Research

The University of Chicago Law Review was first published in 1958.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inaugural volume of the University of Chicago Law Review was published in 1933, not 1958.

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Aaron Director founded the Journal of Law and Economics in 1958.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aaron Director founded the influential Journal of Law and Economics in 1958, a pivotal contribution to the field.

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The University of Chicago Law School produces seven professional academic journals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The law school is responsible for the production of seven distinct professional academic journals, contributing significantly to legal scholarship.

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The University of Chicago Law Review is ranked among the top 50 most cited law reviews globally.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law Review is ranked among the top five most cited law reviews globally, indicating its significant influence in legal scholarship.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an academic center or research institute at the law school?

Answer: Center for Theoretical Physics

Explanation: The listed academic centers are the Coase-Sandor Institute for Law and Economics, the Constitutional Law Institute, and the Center for Law, Philosophy, and Human Values. The Center for Theoretical Physics is not among them.

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Which of the following is a student-run academic journal produced by the University of Chicago Law School?

Answer: Chicago Journal of International Law

Explanation: The Chicago Journal of International Law is one of the student-run academic journals produced by the University of Chicago Law School.

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The University of Chicago Law Review holds a significant global ranking as one of the most cited law reviews. What is its approximate ranking?

Answer: Top 5

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law Review is recognized globally as being among the top five most cited law reviews, indicating its significant influence.

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Campus Infrastructure and Resources

The current University of Chicago Law School building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current law school building was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen, not Frank Lloyd Wright.

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The D'Angelo Law Library houses over 700,000 volumes and materials in more than 25 languages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The D'Angelo Law Library's extensive collection comprises over 700,000 volumes and materials in more than 25 languages, supporting comprehensive legal research.

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The current law school building, designed by Eero Saarinen, was renovated in 2008 to preserve its modernist structure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current law school building, designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1959, underwent renovation in 2008 to preserve its modernist architectural integrity.

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The architectural design of the law school's current building, opened in 1959, is attributed to which renowned architect?

Answer: Eero Saarinen

Explanation: The current law school building, opened in 1959, was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen.

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What is the approximate number of volumes housed in the D'Angelo Law Library?

Answer: 700,000

Explanation: The D'Angelo Law Library houses over 700,000 volumes, encompassing extensive legal resources.

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Reputation, Rankings, and Graduate Outcomes

In 2018, Forbes ranked the University of Chicago Law School first for best career prospects.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2018, Forbes ranked the University of Chicago Law School second for best career prospects, while the National Law Journal ranked it first for overall employment outcomes.

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98.5% of the Class of 2019 secured full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to ABA-required disclosures, 98.5% of the Class of 2019 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation.

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The median salary for the Class of 2019 graduates was $190,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: The median salary for graduates in the Class of 2019 was $190,000, with 75% earning starting salaries of $190,000 or greater.

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The University of Chicago Law School ranks last in the U.S. for placing graduates in large law firms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to ranking last, the University of Chicago Law School ranks first in the U.S. for placing the highest percentage of recent graduates in large law firms (100+ lawyers).

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The law school's first-time bar pass rate is reported as 98.9%.

Answer: True

Explanation: The law school's reported first-time bar pass rate is 98.9%, which is noted as the highest in the United States.

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University of Chicago Law School alumni rank first in the percentage of recent graduates clerking for federal judges.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2023, University of Chicago Law School alumni ranked third nationally in the percentage of recent graduates clerking for federal judges, following Stanford and Yale Law Schools.

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The University of Chicago Law School was ranked second in the U.S. for scholarly impact in a 2021 study.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 2021 study identified the University of Chicago Law School as ranking second in the U.S. for scholarly impact, reflecting the significant influence of its faculty's research.

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According to the National Law Journal in 2018, what was the University of Chicago Law School ranked first for?

Answer: Overall employment outcomes

Explanation: In 2018, the National Law Journal ranked the University of Chicago Law School first for overall employment outcomes.

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What percentage of the Class of 2019 found full-time, long-term employment requiring a JD within ten months of graduation?

Answer: 98.5%

Explanation: 98.5% of the Class of 2019 secured full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation, according to ABA-required disclosures.

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How does the University of Chicago Law School rank nationally in placing graduates in large law firms (100+ lawyers)?

Answer: First

Explanation: The University of Chicago Law School ranks first nationally in placing the highest percentage of recent graduates into large law firms (100+ lawyers).

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What was the law school's reported first-time bar pass rate, noted as the highest in the U.S.?

Answer: 98.9%

Explanation: The law school's reported first-time bar pass rate is 98.9%, which is noted as the highest in the U.S.

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In 2023, which law schools ranked higher than the University of Chicago Law School in terms of the percentage of recent alumni clerking for federal judges?

Answer: Stanford and Yale

Explanation: In 2023, Stanford and Yale Law Schools ranked higher than the University of Chicago Law School in terms of the percentage of recent alumni clerking for federal judges.

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Which publication ranked the University of Chicago Law School fourth globally in 2021?

Answer: Times Higher Education

Explanation: In 2021, Times Higher Education ranked the University of Chicago Law School fourth globally, reflecting its international academic standing.

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University-Wide Historical Context

The 'Chicago Principles' relate to the law school's grading system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Chicago Principles' primarily address the university's guidelines concerning freedom of speech and expression on campus, not the law school's grading system.

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Chicago Pile-1, the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, was developed at the University of Chicago's business school.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chicago Pile-1, the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, was developed at the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory, not its business school.

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