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Langdell (1826-1906): Studies in Legal History

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Christopher Columbus Langdell (May 22, 1826 – July 6, 1906) was an American legal scholar and educator who served as the Dean of Harvard Law School from 1870 to 1895. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of legal education in the United States.

Langdell's most significant contribution to legal education was his development of the case method of teaching law. This method, which is now used in law schools around the world, involves students reading and analyzing actual court cases in order to learn about the law. Langdell believed that this method was superior to the traditional lecture method, which he felt was too passive and did not require students to think critically about the law.

The Inception of Modern Professional Education: C. C. Langdell, 1826-1906 (Studies in Legal History)

by Bruce A. Kimball

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In addition to his work on the case method, Langdell also made significant contributions to the study of legal history. His book, *A Summary of Equity Pleading* (1877),is still considered a classic work on the subject. Langdell also published several articles on legal history, including "The Origin and Growth of the American Constitution" (1884) and "The Evolution of the Judicial Process" (1890).

Langdell's work had a profound impact on the development of legal education and legal scholarship in the United States. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of American law.

Early Life and Education

Langdell was born in New Boston, New Hampshire, on May 22, 1826. His father, Samuel Langdell, was a farmer and his mother, Mary (née Clark) Langdell, was a homemaker. Langdell had two older brothers and two younger sisters.

Langdell attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard College, where he graduated in 1848. After graduating from Harvard, Langdell studied law at the Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1853.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school, Langdell practiced law in New York City for several years. In 1869, he was appointed Dean of Harvard Law School. He served as Dean for 25 years, during which time he revolutionized legal education in the United States.

Personal Life

Langdell married Mary Codman Parkman in 1867. They had two children, a son and a daughter.

Langdell was a devout Episcopalian. He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society and the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Langdell died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 6, 1906. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Legacy

Langdell is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of legal education in the United States. His development of the case method of teaching law revolutionized legal education and had a profound impact on the development of legal scholarship in the United States.

Langdell's work continues to be studied and debated by legal scholars today. His ideas about legal education and legal history are still relevant today and continue to shape the way that law is taught and studied in the United States.

Bibliography

* *A Summary of Equity Pleading* (1877) * *The Origin and Growth of the American Constitution* (1884) * *The Evolution of the Judicial Process* (1890) * *Studies in Legal History* (1906)