Law 792:  History of the African American Lawyer in the United States

This course will chronical the unique role, influence and history of the African American lawyer in the United States. For 225 years (1619-1844), there was not one African American lawyer in North America until Macon Bolling Allen was admitted to the bar in the State of Maine on July 3, 1844. Students will learn the personal and professional journeys of several distinguished African American lawyers who not only were masterful legal technicians, but also, were committed to forcing the legal system to live up to its creed: the promise of ‘equal justice under the law.’ 

This course is designed to introduce students to the importance of knowing, understanding, and critically analyzing the history of the legal profession, in general, but specifically, in the context of the African American experience. Students will be asked to explore the variety of roles African American lawyers have played in the legal community and in the United States not just as legal practitioners, but as advocates (or social engineers) to advance the cause of justice, equality, fairness, and the Rule of Law. Equipped with a broader understanding of the African American experience in the law, each student will be asked to begin (or continue) their own particular exploration of their purpose, place, and perspective as they enter the legal profession.

Sequence and Prerequisites: None

Evaluation: Written assignments and participation