Why Law Schools Matter (A Lot)

In response to Rick's question, I'm not certain exactly how a Catholic university best harnesses or nourishes the importance of its law school, but recognition of the school's importance must be an unmistakable dimension of the relationship.  Given Catholicism's focus on the common good, the law is the vehicle through which a Catholic university can best engage (and hopefully transform) society.  Law is our common language.  As explained by one scholar who has never passed up an opportunity to quote himself:

The story of the legal profession has been told through the religious imagery of the priesthood.  While this analogy certainly has a bit of rhetorical flourish at its core, it reflects the widespread perception of the unifying, central role that the law plays in modern American society.  Past eras may have looked to religion as the common framework under which everyday existence proceeds, but the law had long since usurped it.  So while priests, as administrators providing access to that unifying framework in their role as mediators between God and man, were essential figures in the collective life of society, today their place has been taken by lawyers, who provide access to our common framework of legal rights and privileges.

Perhaps Al Pacino put it best in the otherwise forgettable movie, The Devil's Advocate, when, playing the role of Satan-as-law-firm-partner, he remarks to an associate, "We're the new priesthood, baby."

Rob