Abstract

In 1967 the School of Law adopted as a statement of purpose words spoken at the dedication of its new facilities: "The University of Georgia School of Law is . . . to be one of such excellence that no citizen of Georgia need ever leave his state because a superior legal education is available elsewhere."

Because its first duty is to prepare men and women for the legal profession, the Law School stresses excellence in teaching. The School recognizes the diverse aspects of the practice of law in our society. It constantly reviews and adjusts its curriculum to impart to its students a broad understanding of the nature of the legal system and the analytical and other skills necessary for effective participation in the profession.

The School is charged with the responsibility of preparing highly competent members of a learned profession who are dedicated to serving others and who are bound by a rigid but essential code of professional conduct. It seeks to instill in its students a keen sense of professional integrity and an awareness of their responsibility as guardians of the law. The Preamble to the American Bar Association's Code of Professional Responsibility underscores the importance of this understanding. It states:

The continued existence of a free and democratic society depends upon recognition of the concept that justice is based upon the rule of the law grounded in respect for the dignity of the individual and his capacity through reason for enlightened self-government. Law so grounded makes justice possible, for only through such law does the dignity of the individual attain respect and protection.

The Law School recognizes its role as a center for scholarly research and service in the law and affirms each of these functions as indispensable to its vitality as an institution of higher learning. Being an integral part of the University, the Law School assumes its obligation to contribute in a significant way to the life of the University community and to participate in its interdisciplinary efforts to advance learning.

Finally, the Law School is aware of its intellectual and ethical duty to explore the problems of society and to contribute through teaching, research and service to their resolution.

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