The title One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law leaves little mystery as to the contents of the narrative. The first-person account allows readers to step inside and understand the inner-workings of one of the United States’ most elite legal institutions. The author and law student, Scott Turrow, attempts to deliver the hard-truths of the revered and relatively unchanging process of legal education. Depicted in countless films and novels, Harvard Law School has always appeared to me like a grandmother’s antique—beautiful, intriguing with its wealth of historical significance, yet completely untouchable. Turrow’s style of writing and point of view opens the floodgates to seemingly mystical Harvard Law School. Turrow
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As a prospective law student, I was immensely intrigued by this phenomenon. As I dove into One L, I was provided a clear picture of Socratic Method. While some may argue that Turrow’s account of the Socratic Method erred on the dramatic side, I feel he provided an honest portrayal of his experience, albeit a little embellishment is expected in any form of narrative. I feel that every individual responds differently to stressors, but there seemed to be a widespread fear among Turrow’s classmates to be on the receiving end of this teaching style. One particular situation noted by Turrow as “The Incident” provides an illustrious example of the harsh reality of the Socratic Method. A student who when called on is admittedly unprepared is humiliated and patronized by the professor. Students rally together against this perceived injustice against their fellow classmate. Although there was a mild change after the section’s public outcry, One L sheds light on the combative nature between professor and student. Without having experienced the Socratic Method, it is difficult to determine if time has brought about reform in the classroom. As a law student in fall of 2018, I will be curious to experience first-hand the reality of the Socratic Method; however, now I have a baseline of expectations from One
As a prospective law student, I was immensely intrigued by this phenomenon. As I dove into One L, I was provided a clear picture of Socratic Method. While some may argue that Turrow’s account of the Socratic Method erred on the dramatic side, I feel he provided an honest portrayal of his experience, albeit a little embellishment is expected in any form of narrative. I feel that every individual responds differently to stressors, but there seemed to be a widespread fear among Turrow’s classmates to be on the receiving end of this teaching style. One particular situation noted by Turrow as “The Incident” provides an illustrious example of the harsh reality of the Socratic Method. A student who when called on is admittedly unprepared is humiliated and patronized by the professor. Students rally together against this perceived injustice against their fellow classmate. Although there was a mild change after the section’s public outcry, One L sheds light on the combative nature between professor and student. Without having experienced the Socratic Method, it is difficult to determine if time has brought about reform in the classroom. As a law student in fall of 2018, I will be curious to experience first-hand the reality of the Socratic Method; however, now I have a baseline of expectations from One