Heterodox Out Loud
How Critical Legal Studies Transformed Law Schools with Rebecca Roiphe | Ep 28
Jan 21, 2025
Rebecca Roiphe, a Trustee Professor of Law at New York Law School and author of "The Devil's Advocate," explores the evolution of legal education over the past fifty years. She discusses how the Critical Legal Studies movement transformed law schools, shifting their focus from professional training to social justice. Roiphe highlights the implications of this shift for democracy, the manipulation of legal principles, and the need for inclusive dialogue in addressing legal disparities. Her insights illuminate the ongoing tension between ideals and realities in legal practice.
50:03
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Quick takeaways
- Legal education in the past fifty years has shifted from a focus on professional training to emphasizing social justice through the law.
- The Critical Legal Studies movement critiques law as a tool for the powerful, raising concerns about its implications for democracy and the rule of law.
Deep dives
Manipulation of Law and Power Dynamics
Manipulating the law often leads to a false sense of security, particularly for those in positions of lesser power. When individuals exploit legal frameworks for their own ends, it can result in a precarious game of power where the vulnerable are frequently disadvantaged. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adhering to the foundational principles of law, which serve to uphold justice instead of allowing the law to become a mere tool for those in authority. Consequently, a lack of a clear boundary in legal adherence can devolve into an environment where only the powerful can manipulate the system without accountability.
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