CSU College of Law in Ohio Law Schools
🏛️ Institutional Overview
Cleveland State University College of Law (CSU|LAW), established in 1897, is one of Ohio's oldest law schools. It has a rich history of integrating women and minorities into the American legal field, including notable figures such as Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city, and Mary Grossman, one of the first women in Ohio elected to a Municipal Court Bench .
📚 Curriculum and Specializations
Core Curriculum
The foundational curriculum at CSU|LAW includes:
Civil Procedure
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Criminal Law
Property
Torts
Legal Writing
In addition, students must complete:
Evidence
A third semester of legal writing
One upper-level writing course
A professional responsibility course
6 experiential skills credits (at least three from a clinic or externship)
Specializations and Concentrations
CSU|LAW offers concentrations in:
Business Law
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Criminal Law
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Employment and Labor Law
International and Comparative Law
🧑⚖️ Experiential Learning
Civil Litigation Clinic
Students in the Civil Litigation Clinic represent real clients in various cases, including:
Asylum and immigration
Civil rights
Employment discrimination
Wage and hour disputes
Landlord-tenant issues
Consumer concerns
Breach of contract
This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world legal challenges .
📌 Notable Case Law in Ohio
1. Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961)
Facts: Dollree Mapp was convicted for possession of obscene materials after an illegal search of her home.
Issue: Whether evidence obtained through an illegal search and seizure could be used in state courts.
Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment could not be used in state courts, establishing the "exclusionary rule" at the state level.
2. State v. D'Ambrosio, 67 Ohio St.3d 185 (1993)
Facts: The defendant was convicted of murder, and the issue was whether the trial court erred in excluding certain evidence.
Issue: Whether the exclusion of evidence violated the defendant's constitutional right to present a defense.
Holding: The Ohio Supreme Court held that the exclusion was an error, emphasizing the importance of allowing the jury to consider all relevant evidence.
🎓 Career Outcomes and Bar Passage
CSU|LAW has a strong track record of preparing students for successful legal careers. The school offers various resources to support bar exam preparation, including:
Bar Preparation Courses: Specialized courses designed to review and reinforce key subjects tested on the bar exam.
Practice Exams: Opportunities for students to take simulated bar exams to familiarize themselves with the format and timing.
Advising and Support: Faculty and staff offer guidance on bar exam strategies and study plans.
These resources are part of the school's commitment to ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the bar exam and their legal careers.
🏁 Conclusion
Cleveland State University College of Law offers a comprehensive legal education that balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Its commitment to producing ethical, competent, and community-oriented lawyers makes it a valuable institution for those seeking to pursue a legal career in Ohio and beyond. Through its diverse curriculum, experienced faculty, and focus on experiential learning, CSU|LAW prepares students to navigate the complexities of the legal profession effectively.
RELATED Blog
0 comments