Friday, August 27, 2010

Mrs. Pickles is her full name. Although, I'm not actually sure if cats can marry outside of Boston

I survived my first week of law school with only minimal injuries, mostly to my pride. Seriously though, it's been a good week. A very full week. I feel like I'm learning a few things. I'm enjoying my classes. I'm still trying to get a feel for them, but so far so good I think.

I only have one class on Fridays and it was cancelled, so today I had zero classes, which was wonderful. I took the time to relax and do nothing. Ok, ok, I did a few things. I got my financial aid check so now I won't starve to death. I'm pretty happy about that. Anyway, I'm sure you're all dying to know what they teach us in law school, so here's a bit about the classes I'm taking (mind you, I've only been in school for a week, so I really have no idea what the hell I'm talking about, but just go with it.)

Ok, in contracts we've started talking about the three basic principles in regards to contract law: bargain, reliance, and restitution. Right now we're reading cases that address, for the most part, the bargain principle. Last class we started discussing the difference between a bargain and a gift. It seems like such an easy distinction to make, but legally it's a damn nightmare. These people are obsessed with definitions. That's one thing I've learned this week, every word counts: how you use them, when you use them, and how you punctuate them. Honestly, even words like 'and' and 'or' can totally change the meaning of a rule. Calls for a very aggressive reading approach. I'm also fairly certain that, upon graduating from law school, I'll have perfect grammar.

Anyway, I'm also taking a torts class. My teacher in this class, Professor Lytton, is very energetic. I really like him. I think he's a good teacher, but he has a very aggressive teaching approach and he gets so animated. It's a little frightening. Anyway, we're learning about the intentional tort of battery right now. It's been pretty interesting. I've been studying for that class tonight, reading the cases for Monday, and I feel like I'm never gonna figure this shit out. But I think I'm starting to understand how to read a case, so that's good.

I'm also taking an introduction to lawyering class. This is the class where we get to take a fictional case from initial client interview to appeal. The first day Professor Queenan sent around a sheet, and we could sign up to represent either the plaintiff or the defendant, without knowing anything about the case. (Not that it would have mattered seeing as that was only our second day of law school). Anyway, I signed up to represent the plaintiff. On Thursday she told us a little bit more about the case. All we know is that it's a case about the whistleblower statute. I'm kind of excited about this and glad I signed up to represent the plaintiff (the whistleblower in this case). I really hope my client doesn't turn out to be an ass hole.

The last class I have is Federal Civil Procedure. Everyone says this is one of the hardest classes your first year. I've only been once, and I can see why. My torts professor has this quote on our class website "The law never is, it is always about to be." Benjamin N. Cardozo. That makes it a difficult thing to learn. There are so many rules: state statutes, federal statutes, case law, and these rules are constantly being amended or reversed. And we're supposed to learn them in civ pro. Whew. It's an exercise for the mind, that's for sure.

All of my professors seem pretty nice, and I've got a study group which will help a ton. Truthfully, I'm enjoying school so far. It's hard. It's kicking my ass, but I feel like I'm learning which is why I'm here, so that's good. I do have to say though, the few cases I've read thus far have convinced me that the world is filled with ass holes and morons. Hopefully next week will read some more encouraging cases.

6 comments:

  1. Wow Abby! I about had to get a dictionary out to figure out what your classes were about! Glad you had a good first week. Sure miss ya!

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  2. Abby, Just a thought: will your better grammar get rid of some of the #*^&# words in your vocabulary? ha ha! I am so glad that things are going so well and I love hearing about your days. Keep up the good work!!!

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  3. Thanks again Marla for the care package! I loved it! I have the stuff put all around my house. :) And Mother, no it will not. That has nothing to do with grammar. Rather, it is an inspired ability to transcend the blase requirements of polite conversation and enjoy the fruits of a language first attributed to sailors. How do ya like them apples? :D

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  4. Abby, I feel overwhelmed just reading your description of the class material!! Your classes sound very challenging...just learning all the legalese appears to be a big mountain to climb! If anyone can do it, you can...of that I am certain! I will hope that you get to represent a trustworthy individual in your case...honestly I think it would be sooo hard to represent someone who you know is guilty/a low-life. What kind of lawyer are you hoping to be at the end of this journey??

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  5. lol. It's from Psych. I love that show. And Jana, I haven't decided what kind of law I want to practice yet. It's such a broad field, I could really do anything, so we'll see. At any rate, hopefully I'll be a good lawyer.

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