More than half of surveyed law students also believe the LSAT should be disregarded
According to a new survey released by the Buckley Institute at Yale University, the vast majority of law students support free speech and believe that the LSAT and bar exams should be abolished.
Conducted by Inquire, a research and data consulting company, the survey polled 232 law students from numerous ABA-accredited law schools between April 25 and May 25.
The survey revealed that 95 percent of law students believe the First Amendment is not outdated and should be respected and followed. Despite this overwhelming support for free speech, 50 percent of respondents reported feeling intimidated by classmates, while 34 percent felt intimidated by professors with differing opinions. Additionally, 62 percent of students think the First Amendment should protect speech that is considered offensive or hateful by some.
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“Though law students overall support free speech, there is a noticeable undercurrent of censorship that America’s law schools must address,” said Lauren Noble, founder and executive director of the Buckley Institute.
The survey also highlighted a significant shift in priorities among law students. A substantial 69 percent of respondents believe that advancing a more socially just and equitable legal system is more important than ensuring clients receive favourable outcomes, which only 28 percent of students prioritized.
Many students view major testing for law school admissions and bar certification as unfair. The survey found that 54 percent of law students believe the LSAT should be disregarded, and 57 percent think the bar exam should be eliminated and replaced with other forms of evaluation.
The survey further revealed that 73 percent of students think political motivations, rather than legal principles, were the primary drivers behind the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion.
In terms of societal issues, half of the law students surveyed believe that America should recognize systemic racism and support disadvantaged groups, even at the direct expense of advantaged groups. Conversely, 42 percent believe the country should pursue a colour-blind societal approach.