Wisdom Not My Own: Rules, Principles, and the Teaching of Law
13 Pages Posted: 31 Oct 2011 Last revised: 31 Dec 2012
Date Written: October 31, 2011
Abstract
Is it possible to not only give our law students knowledge, but the hope for wisdom?
This short essay argues that such a project is not only possible but desirable. We want wisdom (the ability to make principled choices) from those in the vocation of law, after all, especially in roles such as judge or prosecutor. The key to teaching towards wisdom is to allow students to work not only with rules but principles, and to model the sacrifice required to follow principle in our own public lives as law teachers.
Keywords: Wisdom, principles, criminal law, law teaching, legal education
JEL Classification: K14, K19
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Mark William Osler (Contact Author)
University of St. Thomas - School of Law (Minnesota) ( email )
MSL 400, 1000 La Salle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN Minnesota 55403-2005
United States
(254) 717-7032 (Phone)
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