Prelaw is not a curriculum, curricular option, or academic program,
because there are no specific prerequisites for law school. The most
important factor in determining which area of study a student should
undertake is his or her interest outside of law. The traditional view
that political scientists and historians are the only candidates with
free access to law school is false. Law schools expect and admit
candidates with diversified backgrounds ranging from biology to
environmental policy, institutions, and behavior; environmental and
business economics; and all other Cook College programs.
Certain courses or areas, however, may prove helpful to students who
wish to pursue a career in law. Courses in environmental law
(11:375:333,334) provide an introduction to the American legal system,
legal reasoning, and legal education. Some background in
accounting, government, economics, history, logic, and political
science is valuable for prelaw students. Communications skills are
vital to lawyers, and courses in speech and expository writing are
recommended for students who require improvement in these areas.
Another important area is reading comprehension and speed. Students who
have average or below average skills should consider taking a course in
reading comprehension and skills offered at the university.
Students interested in applying to law school should consult the prelaw society web site at http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~ruprelaw. Donald C. Heilman, director of Rutgers Student Legal Information Center, may also be contacted for advisement (932-9363).
