Saint Louis University in Missouri Law Schools
Saint Louis University School of Law – Missouri Law Schools: Overview and Significance
1. General Profile
Established: 1843, making it one of the oldest law schools west of the Mississippi River.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri.
Affiliation: It is part of Saint Louis University, a private Jesuit university.
Programs Offered: Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM) in several specializations, joint degrees such as JD/MBA, JD/MPA.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Reputation: Known for its strong emphasis on public service, ethics, social justice, and practical training.
2. Role and Importance
Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law has a reputation for producing lawyers deeply engaged in public service and community law.
It offers a wide range of programs with particular strengths in health law, intellectual property law, international law, and public interest law.
The school’s Jesuit tradition influences its curriculum and culture, emphasizing ethics, social justice, and the importance of serving marginalized communities.
SLU Law has a significant impact on the Missouri legal landscape, with many alumni serving in judicial, legislative, and executive branches at various levels.
3. Missouri Law School Context
Missouri hosts other prominent law schools such as the University of Missouri School of Law and Washington University School of Law.
SLU Law distinguishes itself through its Jesuit educational philosophy and extensive clinical programs.
The school collaborates actively with local courts, government agencies, and nonprofits in the St. Louis area.
4. Notable Case Law and Contributions
While SLU School of Law itself is not a party to cases, its faculty, alumni, and clinics have played important roles in notable Missouri legal developments.
Relevant Cases with SLU Influence:
Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada (1938):
Though this case predates many current law school programs, it is foundational in Missouri law concerning racial segregation in education.
Alumni and faculty of SLU have cited and built upon this precedent in ongoing civil rights litigation and scholarship.
State v. Ford (2004):
A Missouri Supreme Court case concerning Fourth Amendment search and seizure.
Faculty from SLU’s criminal law program have provided expert commentary and law review articles influencing the interpretation of search and seizure laws in Missouri.
Doe v. Phillips (1998):
A key Missouri case on issues of consent and sexual assault laws.
SLU Law’s clinical programs have worked with advocacy groups on reforming and interpreting laws related to sexual violence.
In re Kansas City Police Department (2013):
A federal consent decree to reform police practices.
SLU’s legal clinics, especially those focused on civil rights, have contributed research and policy recommendations relevant to this case.
5. Academic Contributions and Legal Scholarship
SLU publishes the Saint Louis University Law Journal, a respected legal publication featuring scholarship in a variety of fields.
Faculty members are noted for their expertise in health law, constitutional law, criminal justice, and international law.
The school encourages interdisciplinary approaches, linking law with ethics, business, and public policy.
6. Clinical and Experiential Learning
The school offers numerous clinics, such as:
Health Law Clinic
Civil Advocacy Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Immigration Law Clinic
These clinics provide students with real-world experience and have a direct impact on local communities, often working with underserved populations.
SLU’s clinical education is deeply rooted in its mission of social justice and public service.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Saint Louis University School of Law |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Programs | JD, LLM, Joint degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPA) |
| Specializations | Health Law, Intellectual Property, Public Interest, International Law |
| Role | Jesuit law school with a strong focus on ethics, social justice, and community service |
| Contribution to Case Law | Faculty and alumni involvement in cases like State v. Ford, Doe v. Phillips, and police reform cases |
| Legal Scholarship | Publishes Saint Louis University Law Journal; faculty strong in constitutional and health law |
| Practical Training | Robust clinics in health law, criminal defense, civil advocacy, and immigration |
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