Intentionally Incorporating Race into the First-Year Legal Research and Writing Curriculum

Abstract

This chapter addresses the question of whether law schools should intentionally incorporate race in the first-year legal writing and research (LWR) course. First, intentionally incorporating race into the first-year LWR course is essential to preparing all law students to become competent lawyers who can effectively participate in the national and global marketplace and address the legal needs of an increasingly diverse population. Second, addressing race in the first-year LWR course contributes to a more democratic society by building student awareness early in their legal careers to the importance of providing access to justice for all persons. Additionally, exposing students to the impact of race and racial biases on legal outcomes sensitizes them to the dire consequences of inadequate or no legal representation and is likely to propel them to advocate for relevant legal and social reforms. Third, intentionally incorporating race into the first-year LWR course creates a learning environment that facilitates successful learning for all law students. This is particularly critical for law students of color whose ability to learn successfully may be compromised because of an increased risk for chronic stress caused by race-based discrimination inside and outside law school.