Abstract
A novice at any age will understandably lack the confidence that only experience can foster. Nevertheless, the thesis of this article is that the clinic student’s self-image inhibits his or her confidence in a different way...This paper will draw upon theories of psychological and moral development to explore the ingredients of being an adult and having an adult self-image. Part II describes various useful measures for determining the commencement of adulthood. Part III applies the criteria explained in Part II and asks, then attempts to answer, the question of whether the majority of clinic law students are adults. Part IV highlights the obstacles to achieving adulthood faced by contemporary law students both prior to and during law school. Part V discusses the importance of an adult self-image in becoming a professional and whether it is even more important in the legal profession. It argues that having a better understanding of where our students stand developmentally enhances our effectiveness. Part VI stresses that, at the very least, clinic teachers must be mindful that the psychological movement of our students into adulthood is an important event and is key to their performance as lawyers. In this final Part, I suggest ways in which we can support our students’ transition into adulthood.
Recommended Citation
Ritter, Judith L.
(2011)
"Growin' Up: An Assessment of Adult Self-Image in Clinical Law Students,"
Akron Law Review: Vol. 44:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/akronlawreview/vol44/iss1/4