Law Professor how-to

How to Teach with the Socratic Method

Questions sharpen legal reasoning.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Questions sharpen legal reasoning. In short: assign; call; ask, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Assign a case.

  2. Call on a student.

  3. Ask for the facts and holding.

  4. Change facts to test reasoning.

  5. Bring in other students.

  6. Summarize the rule.

Safety reminders for law professors

  • Follow attorney ethics rules
  • Protect client confidentiality
  • Protect student privacy
  • Follow campus safety

Socratic method · J.D. · Law review · Legal clinic · Torts · Contracts: see the full law professor glossary.

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