1978-1979_Law School Catalog.pdf - The Texas Tech University ...

A Message From the DeanThe School of Law at Texas Tech completed its first decade ofoperation having accumulated many assets. The physical radii·ties are second to none in the country, whether considered froman aesthetic or a functional viewpoint. The library provides thetools for research of the law, learning the law, and practicinglaw. However, the most important assets of any school are peopleand their ideas.The people who contribute so much to the law school includethe Board of Regents. the University administration, the facultyand staff of the law school itself, the growing number of loyalalumni, and the students. The support of the Regents and the administration,including President Mackey, who is a member ofthe law faculty, could not be greater. The faculty has been chosenfor their ability to teach and relate to students, but excellentteaching is not their only virtue. Scholarly research and publication,both oral and written; preparation of new developments inlegislation; representation of indigents; consultation with practicingattorneys; participation in bar committees and other activities;and faculty work within the University community areamong their other contributions ofgreat importance. The increasingnumber of alumni are demonstrating in the best way possible--theirperformance as lawyers--that this is a first-classschool. Although mentioned last, the students are obviously notthe last in importance. An intelligent, inquisitive, participatingstudent body contributes to its own learning process, and thoseattributes are increasingly visible in each year's entering class.The basic concept that will continue to govern the law schoolin future decades is that its purpose is to prepare students tofunction as lawyers. Many other things are learned, and shouldbe learned, in law school. but if a graduate cannot function as alawyer, his or her time has been wasted. If you want to enjoyyour legal education, to contribute to it by your own hard work,and to graduate capable of entering the practice of law confidentof your ability, then we want you as a student at Texas Tech.Frank W. Elliott