Q: Why is Classics or one of its associated majors appropriate for a pre-law course of study? A: Because law schools want students with the language and thinking skills learned by Classics majors...Law schools want people who can think well, understand complex reasoning, construct tight arguments, and communicate their reasoning thoroughly and comprehensively. Good writers make good lawyers. [ Greek and Latin language classes emphasize grammar instruction more than most English or modern language classes giving students a perspective on how complex languages (including English) function. [ The sentence structures of Greek and Latin contrast hightly with that of English giving students ample practice in translation and transformation of the languages both within themselves and to and from English, which further strengthens writing and communication skills. [ Every semester students at Emory comment on the improvement in their writing in other classes because of their study of grammar in the context of Greek and Latin classes.

Q: Why Classics and not a major in one of the traditional social sciences majors for a pre-law course of study? A: Because Classics majors do better than most social science majors when they get to law school...The May-June 1998 issue of Harvard Magazine (p.50) offers the following: "Law schools report that by yardsticks of law review and grades, their top students come from math, the Classics, and literature - with political science, economics, "pre - law," and "legal studies" ranking lower."

Q: Can Classics, Latin, and Greek really help me in law school? A1: Yes, because of our legal system...Our governmentis based upon the governmental structures of ancient is based upon the governmental structures of ancient Rome. We are, technically speaking, a democratic republic, not a democracy! Understanding the aspects of our governments that come from AncientGreece and Rome helps immensely when learningour legal system today.

A2: Yes, because of our legal language...In additionto Latin phrases and terms used in a legal settingto Latin phrases and terms used in a legal setting(ever heard of habeas corpus?), some 60% of all Englishwords are derived from Latin and about 90% of the words over two syllables in English are Latin-based.

A3: Here’s what an experienced lawyer has to say... “My scores on the SAT and LSAT were dramatically improved by my knowledge of Latin. As you know, much of the Sestertius of Severus Alexander, Reverse: Iustitia (Justice), A.D. 222 - 235vocabulary on those tests is rooted in Latin. Unfamiliar vocabulary on those tests is rooted in Latin. Unfamiliar vocabulary on those tests became easily decipherable becauseI was able to identify and translate the Latin roots.”W.C. Chaney, JD, UT Austin.

Classics and Pre-Law

Emory University Department of Classics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA404-727-7592