University of Missouri. in Missouri Law Schools
University of Missouri School of Law
General Info:
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Founded: 1872 (one of the oldest law schools in Missouri)
ABA-accredited
Programs: Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), dual degrees
Known for strong programs in health law, agricultural law, trial advocacy, and dispute resolution
Missouri Law Schools Context
Missouri has several law schools, including:
University of Missouri School of Law (Columbia)
Saint Louis University School of Law (St. Louis)
Washington University School of Law (St. Louis)
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law (Kansas City)
The University of Missouri School of Law is the flagship public law school in the state and emphasizes common law legal education through the study of Missouri and federal case law.
Legal Education at University of Missouri School of Law — Case Law Focus
1. Case Law Method
Like all American law schools, MU Law trains students primarily through the case method:
Reading and briefing Missouri appellate decisions, including Missouri Supreme Court and Missouri Court of Appeals opinions.
Understanding stare decisis—how courts follow or distinguish prior rulings.
Analyzing legal reasoning and precedent to develop arguments.
2. Missouri Case Law in Curriculum
Students study landmark Missouri cases across subjects such as:
Contracts: Miller v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co., 887 S.W.2d 446 (Mo. 1994)
Discusses offer and acceptance principles in Missouri contract law.
Torts: Hinman v. Westinghouse Electric Corp., 800 S.W.2d 260 (Mo. 1990)
Covers negligence standards and proximate cause.
Criminal Law: State v. Brown, 912 S.W.2d 317 (Mo. 1995)
Examines mens rea (criminal intent) and burden of proof.
Property: Kansas City v. Western Electric Co., 495 S.W.2d 61 (Mo. 1973)
Addresses eminent domain and just compensation.
3. Clinical Programs and Practical Experience
MU Law provides hands-on training through clinics:
Health Law Clinic: Students represent clients in health-related disputes, applying relevant case law.
Civil Advocacy Clinic: Handling real cases, students rely heavily on precedent to argue motions and appeals.
Mediation and Arbitration Clinic: Teaches alternative dispute resolution skills grounded in case interpretations.
4. Example Case Study — Miller v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co.
Facts: Dispute over the validity of an insurance contract.
Issue: Whether there was a valid offer and acceptance under Missouri contract principles.
Holding: Court clarified when contract formation occurs.
Teaching: Students learn how Missouri courts analyze contract elements through case reasoning.
Summary Table
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbia, Missouri |
| Founded | 1872 |
| ABA Accreditation | Yes |
| Programs | JD, LL.M., dual degrees |
| Educational Method | Case method: focus on Missouri Supreme Court and Court of Appeals decisions |
| Key Missouri Cases | Miller v. American Family Mutual, Hinman v. Westinghouse, State v. Brown |
| Clinical Programs | Health law, civil advocacy, mediation clinics |
| Common Law Focus | Strong emphasis on judicial precedent and reasoning |
Final Thoughts
The University of Missouri School of Law offers a traditional common law legal education focused on Missouri and federal case law. Students develop strong skills in analyzing and applying precedent, preparing them for practice in Missouri’s courts where case law guides the interpretation and application of the law.
RELATED Blog
0 comments