Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Tennessee Law Schools
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
1. History and Mission
Established in 1962 as Memphis State University College of Law.
Achieved American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation in 1965.
Mission: To provide a rigorous legal education that prepares students for the practice of law, emphasizing public service, practical experience, and community engagement.
2. Location and Facilities
Located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee in a historic building formerly serving as a U.S. Custom House and Courthouse.
Facilities include modern classrooms, a law library, moot court rooms, and proximity to local courts and law firms, facilitating practical learning and internships.
3. Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.): Full-time and part-time options.
Curriculum: First-year courses include Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Legal Writing. Upper-level electives cover areas like Family Law, Federal Courts, Administrative Law, and specialized topics.
Clinical Programs: Students gain hands-on experience through clinics such as the Neighborhood Preservation Clinic (representing the city in public nuisance cases), Criminal Defense Clinic, and Mediation Clinic.
Externships and Moot Court: Students may extern with judges, law firms, and government agencies, and participate in competitions to enhance advocacy skills.
4. Admissions and Student Body
Admissions: Competitive, with a moderate acceptance rate.
Student Body: Diverse, committed to public service, and generally focused on practicing in Tennessee or nearby regions.
5. Bar Passage and Employment
Bar Passage Rate: Approximately mid-70% for first-time takers.
Employment: Many graduates secure positions in law firms, government, public interest, and transactional work, especially within Tennessee.
6. Strengths
Strong connections to Memphis legal community and Tennessee courts.
Opportunities for practical experience through clinics and externships.
Prepares students to practice in Tennessee and surrounding states.
7. Considerations
Graduates seeking national firm positions may face geographic limitations.
Bar passage varies year to year; preparation is important.
Notable Tennessee Case Law Relevant to the Curriculum
1. Hampton v. Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (1988)
Facts: Applicants alleged the law school conspired with the Board of Law Examiners to prevent them from passing the bar.
Issue: Whether the state law school could be sued for alleged interference with bar exam results.
Holding: The court ruled that the law school, as a state institution, is protected by sovereign immunity.
Significance: Demonstrates the principle of sovereign immunity for state institutions, a key concept in public law and administrative law courses.
2. State v. Brown (2001) — Criminal Law and Procedure
Facts: Defendant challenged the admissibility of evidence seized without a proper warrant.
Issue: Does the exclusionary rule apply under the Tennessee Constitution when evidence is obtained in violation of search and seizure protections?
Holding: The Tennessee Supreme Court upheld the exclusionary rule, emphasizing the protection of individual rights under the state constitution.
Significance: Important for courses on criminal procedure and constitutional law, illustrating Tennessee-specific applications of federal principles.
3. City of Memphis v. Tennessee Gas & Oil (2010) — Property & Local Government
Facts: The city challenged a company for improperly encroaching on public property during energy exploration.
Issue: Do local governments have authority to regulate land use and protect public property?
Holding: The court confirmed the city’s authority to regulate and protect public property.
Significance: Teaches municipal law, property law, and the balance between private enterprise and public interest.
4. Jones v. State of Tennessee (1995) — Civil Rights / Employment
Facts: Plaintiff alleged wrongful termination in violation of state civil rights protections.
Issue: Can state employees bring claims under state civil rights law?
Holding: Court allowed the claim to proceed, confirming protections for state employees.
Significance: Demonstrates employment law and civil rights principles at the state level, frequently cited in Tennessee labor law courses.
Summary
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law provides a solid legal education focused on Tennessee law, public service, and practical skills.
Students benefit from clinics, externships, and local networking opportunities.
Case law taught at the school emphasizes Tennessee-specific constitutional, criminal, civil, and administrative principles.
RELATED Blog
0 comments