Southern Methodist University

SOUTHERN METHODIST 
UNIVERSITY 
ANNUAL CATALOGUE 
WITH 
REGISTRATION 
For 1927,28 
Dallas, Texas 
Published by the University 
May, 1928 
232 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY 
301. Physics. Magnetism and electricity. 
312. Electrical Measurements. Laboratory exercises with in, 
struments of precision. 
RELIGION 
301. Old Testament. History of the Hebrew People. 
302. New Testament. The origin and principles ?f Christianity. 
The School of Law 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 
The School of Law is a distinct sc.hooJ within the University 
and, subject to the general regulations governing the various schools, 
makes and administers its own laws with reference to admission 
and graduation. The faculty is composed of the duly elected 
members of the instructing staff and meets in regular session on the 
first Monday of each month during the scholastic year. 
Officers of the Fa~ulty 
CMARL!!S OLA.UDE SJfLECMA.N. D.D., LL.D. . . 
CHARLBS SHIRLllv l>oTrs, A.M. LL.B., S.J.D. • 
WU.,LIAM ALllXANDllR Rl'IEI\, A.B., LL.B., LL.M. 
The Faculty 
President 
. Dean 
Secretary 
CHARLES SH.JRLllY POTTS, A.M., LL.B., S.J.D. . . . Professor of Law 
WILLIAM ALBlC/\NDl!R R Fllll\, A.B., LLB., lL.M. . . Prolesso.r of Law 
Roaaa:r BouRLI\ND HOLLI\Nl>, • A.B., LL.B .. Assis:tant Professor of Law 
ARTHUR LEON HARDING, A.D., J.D. . . . . . Instructor in Law 
HoBllRT PR1cc, LL.B. . . . . . . Lecturer ln Civil Procedure 
JOHN W A.LllS RAN DAU, D.V.M. . Stud Llt Assistant in Law Library 
ELGIN PUTNAM Wu.SO!-l, A.B. . . Student Assistant in Law Library 
History 
The School of Law was·established by t11e Board of Trustees on 
February 10, 1925, and was opened September l 5', 1925. l t c, 
upies rooms in Dallas Hall. During the first year only first,yea.r 
subjects were offered; during the second year the first and second, 
year subjects were offered; during the current year, 1927-28, the 
full three-year course is being given, and the first class will be 
graduated in June, 1928. 
Library 
The Law Lib1,u-y now contain.a about 8,000 carefully selected 
books, which are housed in its own library rooms. The Law 
Libl'ai-y is open to all students from 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. 
every day except Sunday. It is being constantly added to by pur, 
chase and by gifts from friends of the school. Students al.so hav 
"'Absent on leave, 1928,29, 
236 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY 
access to the general library oflthe hl!nhiv:rsir, ::l J~ :t: l~~it?s 
of the Court of Civil Appea s w ic is oca 
County Court House. 
Character of Instruction 
The manner of instruction is the case system. Th~ stu~, af1Y' 
~7• ~~1 ~S:~i;~ ofJc1dJ~ 1:;ci~:nspf ;:r a~f e!~~;:nde~: feg~j 
reasoning. -
Instruction is offered in all branches of the commo;1 law, in 
e ui in the statutes of the United States and the ~en.can states 
q ty, . . t the law of Texas. It 1s believed that 
and proper stress 15 given o 1 b . t 
:~~~~;~h~~r~:S
1
i~, ~e~tphe~e~~g;:F.1E;:1~~s~f ',fa~~i~~: 
struct10n mere Y m 
I h in Pleading conside. rable exercises will be given n t e courses ' . I O ·k will 
. d f tin and in the courses of Practice, c ass-room w I • 
m ra g~nted b office and court,room procedure that wl~ ~n-
be dsl1p):'llemh t denyt to the actual experience f the practicing 
tro uce t e s u 
lawyer. 
Regulations and Requirements 
Tb s bool of Law has its own rules for regis~tion, ch~ngtg 
e c . d orts grades continuance m t e 
of courses, examinations an ~!P All of these are fully set out 
sch<;><>l, attendance, ~nd ~filia th~ exceptions all students in th_e 
jn Jts annual bulleun. b' the rules and regulations of this 
School of Law are su }ect to. ular) exce t that the 1-egulation 
catal?~e (pp._ 5
1
2
•
5d7, m0. pa~tl~ no 'apply pto the granting of the reqt11rmg physica e uca on o 
law degree. 
h 1 f L is under the control of the 
Admission to the SLc oo oC ~w ondence relative to entrance 
D f th School of aw. onesp · 
a:d~r~nsf e: credits should therefore be addressed to him. 
Regular Students 
A 1
. t for admission as a regular student in the Sd,~~ 
n app ican f ge and must presen 
of Law must be at least nineteeln h~ rs to .. iliat be hasp, ssecl the 
evidence that he is of good mora c a1ac ex' ' 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 237 
medical examination; that he has fulli lled the general entrance re, 
quirements of the University- and tha he has satisfactorily com-
pleted 60 semester-hours, ex.elusive of physical training, in the 
llege of Arts and Sciences, or the equivalent in another ap-
proved institution. 
W hile no particular courses are required as prerequisite to 
entering he School of L'lw, students preparing for the study of the 
law are urged to take at Ice.st one course in each of tbe following 
subjects: English, History, Economics, and Government. 
Special St_udents 
A person twenty-three years of age not meeting the foregoing 
scholarship requirements may be admi tted as a special student, if he 
satisfies the Dean of thi:; School of 4w that he is of good moral 
haracter, that he possesses sufficient capaci.ty, training, experience, 
and industry to enable him to profit by the instruction offered, and 
that he will not be a hindrance to the school. Such a. person can· 
not r.eceive credit for work done nor b a C<).ndidate for a degree. 
If such student proves w1satisfactory, be will be dropped from the 
school. The Associa ion of American Law Schools provides in its 
articles of association that the number of special students "admitted 
each year shall not exceed ten per cent of the average number of 
students first entering the school during each of the two preceding 
years." The school applies th~s rule. 
Advanced Standing 
Applicants who are qualified to enter the School of Law as can• 
didates for a degree, and who have satisfactorily completed one or 
more years of resident work in a Ja;w school of approved standing, 
having a three-year e0urse, will be given equiv;tlent mnk in this 
school upon presentiI1g prnperly authenticated certilicates of such 
work, together with a certificate of good moral character. The 
right is reserved t0 give credit only OL1 examination and to with, 
draw c.redit given if the student s work in this school is unsatis, 
factory. All persons who intend to apply for advanced standing 
under the above rule should forward or p1·escnt their credentials to 
the Dean at least two weeks before the opening of the particular 
session which the student desires to attend. 
238 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY 
Registration 
All students must matriculate in person at the office of the 
Dean. For dates of matriculation see p:;tgei! 8·9 of this catalogue. 
Classes meet September 4. The clas.5e5 meet in the second semes, 
ter on February 5, 1929. Matriculation for the second semester 
is on February 4, 1929. A fee of $2.00 is cha1:ged for late matricu, 
lation. An additional fee of $2.00 is charged for late payment f 
dues. 
The prospective studenl must present (l) evidence of good 
character, (2) certificate of physical examination (see pages 9 and 
)8 of this catalogue), (3) official statement containing a fu ll 
record of previous college work, including the credits granted on 
entrance, with an hono~-able discharge from such college or, if the 
holder of a degree, a certificate to that effect. 
Graduation 
The degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) will be conferred 
upon candidates therefor wh have credit for 76 semester-hours 
distributed over a period equal to three yea.rs, who are of good 
moral character, and who have complied with the following con, 
ditions: 
1. Residence in this school at least one year next preceding 
the granting of the degree, with credit for 24 semester-hours. 
2. The work done during the last ·year must not have been 
counted toward a law degr'ee elsewhere. 
3. Not more than 9 semester-hours with a grade of D in each 
year may be counted toward a law degree. 
The ea.nditlates having the highest grades, not to exceed in 
number ten per cent of the graduating class, may, by a vote of the 
Law faculty, be awarded the degr~ cum laude. No one shall be 
eligible for this honor who shall have taken elsewhere more than 
one-third of t he work offered for his degree. The average shall be 
based on work done in this school only; but to receive the degree 
cum laude a transfer student must have made at least a B average 
in law courses in the school previously attended. 
The law degree will not be conferred upon anyone markedly 
defi.dent in English, qor upon anyone who has not c rnpleted all 
the work in the first year, which is prescribed. 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 239 
Combination Curriculum for A.B. and LL.B. Degrees 
The student may obtain the A B de 
in six years instead of seven Fo . d. t ·1gree and the LL.B. degree 
· r e ai s see page 78. 
Admission to the Bar 
Under the statutes of the State f T 
regulations adopted by the Su rem o exas and the n~les and 
are admitted, without ex· . ~ - e Court, _graduat~s of this school 
of Texas. anuna ion, to practice law m all the courts 
Tuition and Deposits 
Tuition, per semester 
(This i~;ludes studen·;·;ctivi tv f~~- ·~;··$j·i:oo)··············$ l l l. 50 
Library fee, per semester .. 
Lb 5.00 
i rary deposit, returnable less deductions for damage d 
:lines s an 
----······· - ---~ .... ...........•. ____ ....... .. .. .. . ._ .. ~ .. ............... .___ 5' .00 
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 
First Year 
AGENCY. Three hours a week, second semester. 
on Agency, second edition. 
Mechem Cases 
(Mr. Potts) 
CONTRACTS. Three hours a week, both semesters. Williston, 
Cases on Contract, second edition. (Mr. Harding) 
CRIMINAL LAW. Two hours a week, both semesters. Mikell's 
Cases on Criminal Law, second edition; Potts, Cases on Crim, 
inal Procedure, second edition. (Mr. Potts) 
PLEADING. Four hours a week, first semester, Cook & Hinton, 
Cases on Common Law Pleading. Morgan, The Study of 
Law. (Mr. Rhea) 
PROPERTY I. Two hours a week, first sem~ster; three hours a 
week, second semester. Bigelow Cases on Personal P roperty, 
and Bigelow, Cases on Rights in Land. 
(Mr. Potts, firs t semester; Mr. Rhea, second semester) 
TORTS. Three hours a week, both semesters. Bohlen's Cases on 
Torts, second edition. (Mr. Holland) 
Second Year 
CIVIL PROCEDURE. Three hours a week, both semesters. Green, 
Cases on Civil Procedure in Trial Courts: (Mr. Price) 
EQUITY. Three hours a week, both semesters. 
Equity, one volume edition. 
Cook, Cases on 
(Mr. Holland) 
PROPERTY II. Three hours a week, first semester; two hours a 
week, second semester. Warren, Cases on Conveyances. 
(Mr. Rhea) 
SALES. Three hours a week, first semester. Williston, Cases on 
Sales, third edition. (Mr. Holland) 
TRUSTS. Three hours a week, second semester, 
Trusts. 
Scott, Cases on 
(Mr. Holland) 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 
Third Year 
241 
APPELLATE PRO~E~URE. One hour a week, both semesters. Green 
Cases on C1v1l Procedure in Texas Appellate Courts. ' 
(Mr. Price) 
CoNgITUTJONAL LA_w .. Two hours a week, both semesters. Hall's 
ases on Constitutional Law. (Mr. Potts) 
Evm~N?J· Two holl.l's a week, both seme.sters. Thayer Cases on 
v1 ence at the Comm n Law, Revised Edition. ' 
(Mr. Harding) 
MORTCGAGES. Three hours a week, second semester. Campbell 
ases on Mortgages. (Mr. Rhea)' 
PRIVAT_E CORPORATIONS. Two hours a week both seme t 
Richards, Cases on Private Corporations, s~cond edition.s ers. 
(Mr. Harding) 
PROPERTY III. Three hours a week, first semester. Kales, Cases 
·on Future Interests, American Case Book Series. (Mr. Rhea) 


English

1928-1929 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue

• 
SOUTHERN METHODIST 
UNIVERSITY 
• 
ANNUAL CATALOGUE 
WITH 
.REGISTRATION 
For 1926-27 
................ ,.,,,, 
Dallas, Texas 
Published by the University 
M3:y, 1927 
...... 
·--- 9 
--- 13 
- - 19 
-- 21 
- 35 
- 45 
57 
67 
72 
7$ 
78 
83 
H 
9 
-~ 
[> 
The School of Law 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 
The School of Law is a distinct school within the University and, 
subject to the general regulations governing the various schools, 
makes and administers its own laws with reference to admission and 
graduation. The faculty is composed of the duly elected members 
of the instructing staff and meets in regular session on the first 
Monday of each month during the scholastic year. · 
Officers of the Faculty 
CHARLES ()LAUDE Sl!lLECMAN, D.D., LL.D .............. ·- ···--··"···President 
CHARLES SHIRLEY POTTS, A.B., A.M., LL.B., S.J.D ...... -·-··········Dean 
JOSEPH ELMORE COCKRELL,"' A.M., LL.B., LL.D .. ·-···-···Acting Dean 
WILLIAM ALEXANDER RHEA, A.B., LL.B., LL.M ..•. ·--·········Secretary 
The Faculty 
WILLIAM ALEXANDER RHEA, A.B., LL.B., LL.M •.... Professor of Law 
HERMAN HUNTER GUICE, Ph.B., J.D ...... , .................. Professor of Law 
HOBERT PRICE, LL.B ................................... Lecturer in Civil Procedure 
ROBERT BOURLAND HOLLAND, A.B., LL.B ........................................ . 
Assistant Professor of Law 
LAWRENCE HERNDON RHEA, LL.B ............................. Lecturer in Wills 
History 
Th~· School of Law was established by the Board of Trustees on 
February 10, 1925, and was opened September 15, 1925. It oc-
cupies rooms in Dallas Hall. 
Library 
The Law Librnry now contains nbont 7,000 carefully selected 
books, which are housed in its own library rooms. The Lnw Li-
brary is open to all studcn ts from 8 :0 0 A. M. to IO :3 0 P. M. 
every day except Sunday. Lt is being constnntJy added to by pUI· 
chase and by gifts from friends of the school. 
Purpose 
Instruction is offered in all branches of the common law, in 
* Deceased. 
236 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERJITY 
equity, in the statutes of the United States and the American states 
and proper stress is given to the law of Texas. It is believed that 
the students are best prepared for the practice of law by instruction 
in the origin, development and functions of the law, not by instruc-
tion merely in the dogmas and the precedents of the Jaw. 
During the session of 1926-2 7 only the first year subjects were 
taught. During the session of 1927-28 the third year courses will 
be offered. The entire three-year curriculum' will be effective at 
the beginning of the 1927-28 session. 
Character of Instruction 
The manner of instruction is the case system. The study, analy-
sis, and discussion of judicial decisions will give an eff ccti ve knowl-
edge of JegaJ principle and develop the p0wer of independent legal 
reasoning. 
In the· courses in Pleading, considerable exercises will be given 
in drafting; and in the courses in Practice, class-room work will 
be supplemented by office and court-room procedure that will intro-
duce the student to the actual experience of the practicing lawyer. 
Regulations and Requirements 
The School of Law has its own rules for registration, changing 
of courses, examinationa and reports, grades, continuance in the 
~hooJ, attendance, and graduation. All of these are fully set out 
in its annual bulletins. . With these exceptions all students in the 
School of Law are subject to the rules and regulations of this 
catalogue (pp. S7-64, in particular), except that the regulation at 
page 64 requiring physical education does not apply to the granting 
of the lnw degree. 
Admission to the Law School is under the control of the Dean 
of the Law School. Correspondence relative to entrance and trans-
fer credits should therefore be addressed to him, 
Regular Students 
Applicants for admission as regular students in the Law School 
must be at least nineteen years of age, and must present evidence 
that they are of good moral character; that they have passed the 
THE SCHOOL OJ<' LAW 
medical examination; have fulfilled the. general entrance requin,-
ments of the University; and that they have satisfactorily completed 
60 semester-hours, exclusive of physical train•ing, in the Cqllege ol 
Arts and Sciences, or the equivalent in another approved institution, 
including at least one year's work in English, .in History, in Econom-
ics, and in Government. Graduates from, approved session colleges 
are admitted without condition. An applicant, not a college graduate, 
who has not absolved the four prescribed courses just mentioned 
may be admitted on condition that he remove the condition, or con-
ditions, before the beginning of his senior year. 
Special Students 
A person twenty-one years of age not meeting the foregoing 
scholarship requirements may be admitted as aspecial student, if he 
satisfies the Dean of the Law School that he is of good moral 
character, possesses sufficient capacity, training, experience, and in-
dustry to enable him to profit by the instrucdon offered, and thit 
he will not be a hindrance to the school. Such a person cannot 
receive credit for work done nor be a candidate for a degree. If 
such student proves unsatisfactory, he will he dropped from the 
school. The Association of American Law Schools provides in its 
articles of association that the number of special students "admitted 
each year shall not exceed ten per cent of the average number of 
students first entering the school during each of the two preceding 
years." The school applies this rule. 
Advanced Standing 
Applicants who are qualified to enter the Law School as can-
didates for a degree, and who have satisfactorily completed one qr 
more years of resident work in a law school of approved standing, 
having a three-year course, will be given equivalent rank in this 
school upon presenting properly authenticated certificates of such 
work, together with a certificate of good moral character. The 
right is reserved to give credit only on examination and to withdraw 
credit given if the student's work in this school is unsatisfactory. All 
persons who intend to apply for advanced standing under the above 
rule should forward or present their credentials to the Dean of the 
school at least two weeks before the opening of the particular session 
which the student desires to attend. 
Registration 
All students must matriculate in person at the office of the Dean. 
238 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY 
For dates of matriculation see page 9 of this catalogue, Classes 
meet September 26. The classes meet in the second semester on 
February 8, 1928. Matriculation for the second semester is on 
February 8, 1928. A fee of $2.00 is charged for iate matriculation. 
An additional fee of $2.00 is charged for late payment of dues. 
The prospective student must present (I) evidence of good 
character'. (2 ) certificate of physical examination (see pages 9 and 
63 of this ca.talogu,e) , (3) of ficial statemen t containing a full record 
o! previous college work, including the cred its granted on en-
trance, with nn J1onorable discharge from such college or, if the 
holder of a degree, a ccrtili.cate to that effect. 
Graduation 
The degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL. B.) will be c·onierred upon 
candidates therefor who have credit for 76 semester-hours distributed 
over a period equal to three years, are of good moral character, and 
have complied with the following conditions: 
l. Residence in this school at least one year next preceding the 
gra~ting of the degree, with credit for 24 semester-hours, is 
c;,bhgatory. 
2. Work done during the last year must not have been counted 
toward a law degree elsewhere. 
3. A grade of at least C must be made on all courses taken 
for credit during the last year in this school. 
4. More than 9 semester-hours with a grade of D in each of 
the first two years cannot be counted toward a law degree, 
G raduates in the highest ten per cent of a class may, by a vote 
of the Law faculty, be awarded the degree c11,m laude, No one 
shall be eligible who shall have taken elsewhere more than one-
third of the work offered for his degree. T he average shal l be 
based on work done in this school onJ y; but to receive the degree 
cum laud& 11 transfer studen t must have made 3t least a B average 
in law courses in the school previously attended. 
The I.aw degree will not be conferred upon anyone markedly de-
fici ent in EQglish, nor upon anyone who has not completed all the 
work in the fi 1'St year, which is prescribed. 
The school will not confer any degrees before June, 1928. • 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 239 
Combination Curriculum for A.B. and LL.B. Degrees 
The student may obtain the A, B. degree and the L.L. B. degree 
m six years instead of seven, For details see page 80. 
Admission to the Bar 
The course of study covers alt the subjects prescribed for 'the 
state bar e:xamination by the Supreme Court of T exas. A student 
who completes the coun c will be qualified, from the s~andpoint of 
residence requirement and number of courses, to qualify for the 
bar examination. 
The Court is empowered to issue licence to the graduates of 
those law schools whose ,equ ipment, faculty, and curriculum merit 
the recognition. It is the fixed purpose of the University to equip 
the Law School so adequately and select a trained f aculty so care-
fully that the Supreme Con.r t will grant _the graduates . of t his sch~ol 
license to practice in al l the conrts of this state. Durmg the session 
of 1927-28, application will be made to the Supreme Court _to 
recognize the school; and it is believed that ~he first graduates will 
be awarded their license after their diplomas are given. 
Tuition and Deposits 
Tuition, per semester _____ .:..· ___ _______ $111.50 
(This includes student activity fee of $12.00) 
Library fee, per semester ______________________________________ _ 
Library deposit, returnable less deductions for damages and 
fines 
Courses of Instruction 
FIRST YEAR 
5.00 
5.00 
Agency. Three hours a week, second semester. Goodard's Cases on 
Agency, second edition. (Guice.) 
Contracts. Three hours a week, both semesters. Williston's Cases 
on Contracts, second edition. (Guice.) 
Criminal Law, Three hours a week, first semester. Mikell's Cases 
on Criminal Law. (Holland.) 
240 SouTHE.J\N METHODIST UNIVERSITY 
Legal Bibliography. One hour a week, first semester. Hicks's Material 
and Method1 of Legal Re1earch. (Holland.) 
, I 
Pleading. Two hours a week, both semesters. Sunderland's Cases 
on Ci'f:lil Procedure, Common Law Pleading. (Rhea.) 
Property I. Two hoµrs a week, first semester; three hours a week, 
second semester. Warren's Cases on Property. (Rhea.) 
Torts. Three hours a week, both semesters. Ames and Smith's C(JJes 
on Torti. ' Pound's edition. (Holland.) 
SECOND YEAR 
Bills and Noter. Three hours a week, second semester. Smith and 
Moore Ca1es on Billi and Notes, second edition. (Hol-
land.) 
Cif'lil Procedure. Three hours a week, both semesters. Green's 
Case1 on Ci'f:lil Procedure in Trial Courts. (Price.) 
Equity. Three hours a week, both semesters. Ames's Cases on 
Equity Jurisdiction I, A, Chaffee's Cases on EquitahJe Re-
liefs Against Torts. (Holland.) 
Partnership. Three hours a V.:eek, first semester. Crane and Ma-
gruder's Ca1es on Partner1hip. (Guice.) 
Per1om. Two hours a week, first semester. Woodruff's Cas~t on 
Domestic Relations and Persons, third edition. (Rhea.) 
Property II. Three hours a week, first semester; two hours a week, 
second semester. Warren's Ca1es on Con'f:leyances. (Rhea.) 
Wills. Three hours a week, second semester. Costigan's Cases on 
Wills. (L. H. Rhea.) 
THIRD YEAR 
(These courses are subject to change. The names of the in-
structors and the case books to be used will appear in the Bulletin 
of the School of Law.) 
Appellate Procedure. One hour a week, both semesters. 
Conflict of Laws, Three hours a week, first semester. 
C<>nstiJutionaJ L""'. Three hours a week, both semesters. 
ii 
➔ 
' 
I 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 
E'f:lidence. Two hours a week, both semesters. 
Mortgages. Three hours a week, second semester. 
Pri'f:late Corporations. Two hours a week, both semesters. 
Property /II. Three hours a week, first semester. 
Trust1. Three hours a week, second s_emester. 
,, 
241 


1927-1928 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue, The School of Law

SOUTHERN METHODIST 
UNIVERSITY 
•• 
ANNUAL CATAf;.OGUE 
WITH 
REGISTRATION 
For 1925-26. 
Dallas, Texas 
Published by the University 
• May, 1926
\ 
. ' 
.. The School of Law . . 
, 
. .
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 
The School of Law is a distinct school within the University 
and subject to the general regulations governing the various 
schools, makes and administers its own laws with reference to ad­
mission and graduation. The faculty is composed of the duly elected 
members of the instructing staff and meet in regular ses ion on the 
first Monday of each month during the scholastic year. Officers of the Faculty CHARLES CLAUDE SELECMAN, D.D., LL.D. • , • JOSEPH ELMORE OCKHl!LL, A.M., LL.B., LL.D. , WILLIAM ALEXANDP.R Ru EA, A.B., LL.B., LL.M .• The Faculty . President Acting Dean • Secretary WILLIAM ALEXANDER RHEA, A.B., LL.B., LL.M. • • • • Professor of Law ROBERT BOURLAND HOLLAND, A.B., LL.B, • , , Assistant Professor of Law 
Additional members will be added to the faculty for the year 
1926-27. History 
The School of Law was established by the Board of Trustees 
on February 10, 1925, and w.as opened September 15, 1925. It 
occupies rooms in Dallas Hall. Library 
The Law Library now contains about 3,500 carefully selected 
books, which are housed in its own library rooms. The Law Library 
is open to all students from 8 :oo A. M. to IO :30 P. M. every day 
except Sunday. It·is being constantly added to by purchase and by 
gifts from friends of the school. Purpose 
Instruction is offered in all branches of the common law, in 
equity, in the statutes of the United States and the American states 
and especial stress is given to the law of Texas. It is believed that 
the students are best prepared for the practice of law by instruction 
in the origin, development and functions of the law, not by instruc­
tion merely in the dogmas and the precedents of the law. 
During the s�ssion of 1925-�6 Qllly the first year subjects were 
taught. Thereafter the second and the third year courses will be 
offered successively as the school grows, so that the entire cur­
riculi!n will be"effective at the beginning of the 1927-28 session. 
212 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY Character of Instruction 
. The man_ner o_f instru�tio;11, is the ��se system. The study, ana­
lysis, and discussion of Jud1c1al deC! ton will give an effe tive 
knowledge of legal principles and develop the power of independent 
legal reasoning. 
. fo �1e course� in Pleading, considerable exercises will be given
in drafting; and m t!1c courses in Practice, class-room work will be 
supplememed by office and court-room procedure that will intro­
duce the student to the actual experience of the active lawyer. Regulations and Requirements 
The School o� L�w has its own rules for registration, changing 
of courses, exa01Jnat1ons and reports, grades, continuance ia the 
�ch?ol, attendance, '.1nd graduation. AU of the e are fully set out 
in its annual bulletms. With these exceptions all stutlents in the 
Schqol of Law are subject to the rules and regulations of this cata­
logue (J�P: 49-56, _
in particul�r), except that the regulation at page
55 requmng physical education docs not apply to the granting of 
the law degree. 
Admission to the Law School is under the control of the Dean 
of the L
_
aw School. Correspondence relative to entrance and trans­
fer credits should therefore be addressed to him. Regular Students 
Applicants for admission as regular s.tudcnt iu the Law S bool 
must be at least nine.teen years of age, and must pre eat evidence 
that . they are _of �ood moral character; that they have passed themed1ca.l exammnt1on; have fulfilled the general entrance require­
ments of the University; and that they hnv satisfactorily completed 
6o s ·mester-�ours, exclusive of_ physical training in the College of
�rts �nd S�1cncc , or the equivalent in another approved institu­
t10n, mc_ludmg a_
t least one year's work in English, in History, in 
Econo011cs, and, 111 Government. College graduates whose degrees 
represen� work _equivalent �� at least three years in the University 
are admitted without cond1t10n. An applicant, not a college grad­
u_ate, who has not _absolved the four prescribed courses just men­t10ned may be admitted oh condition that he remove the condition 
or conditions, before the beginning of his senior year. Special Students 
A person twenty-one years of age not meeting the foregoing 
scholarship requirements may be admitted as a special student, if 
he satisfies the Dean of the Law School that he is of good moral 
THE SCHOOL OF LAW 213 
character, possesses sufficient capacity, training, experience, and 
industry to enable him to profit by the instruction offered, and that 
he will not be a hindrance to the school. Such a person cannot 
receive credit for work done nor be a candidate for a degree. If 
such student proves unsatisfactory, he will be dropped from the 
school. The Association of American Law Schools provides in its 
articles of association that the number of special students "admitted 
each year shall not exceed ten per cent of the average number of 
students first entering the school during each of the two preceding 
years." The school applies this rule. Advanced Standing 
Applicants who are qualified to enter the Law School as candi­
dates for a degree, and who have satisfactorily completed one or 
more years of resident work in a law school of good standing, 
having a three-year course, will be given equivalent rank in this 
school upon presenting properly authenticated certificates of such 
work, together with a certificate of good moral character. The 
right is reserved to give credit only on examination and to with­
draw credit given if the student's work in this school is unsatisfac­
tory. All persons who intend to apply for advanced standing under 
the above rule should forward or present their credentials to the 
Dean of the school at least two weeks before the opening of the 
particular session which the student desires to attend. Registration 
All students must matriculate in person at the office of the 
Dean. For dates of matriculation see page 7 of this catalogue. 
Classes meet September 2 7. The classes meet in the second semes­
ter on February 9, 1927. Matriculation for the second semester is 
on February 9, 1927. A fee of $2.00 is charged for late matricula­
tion. An additional fee of $2.00 is charged for late payment of 
dues. 
The prospective student must present ( r) evidence of good 
character, (2) certificate of physical examination (see pages 55 and 
7 of this catalogue, (3) official statement containing a full record 
of previous college work, including the credits granted on entrance, 
with an honorable discharge from such college or, if the holder of 
a degree, the diploma evidencing such degree. Graduation 
lhe degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) will be conferred 
upon candidates therefor who have credit for 76 semester-hours 
e 
214 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY distributed over a period equal to three years, are of good moral character, and have complied with the following conditions: 
I. Residence in this school at least one year next preceding thegranting of the degree, with credit for 24 semester-hours, is obliga­tory. 2. Work done during the last year must not have been count­eded toward a law deg1· e elsewhere. 3. A grade of at least C must be made on all courses tllkenfor credit during the last year in this school. 4. More than g semester-hours with a grade of D in each ofthe first two years cannot be counted toward a law degree. Graduates in the highest ten pe1· cent o-f a class may, by a vote of the Law faculty, b · awarded the degree cum Laude. No one shall be eligible who shnll have taken -·lsewhere more than onc­thi1·d of the work offered for h.is degree. The average shall be ba ed on work done in this school only; but to receive the dcgrc • cu111laude a transfer student must have mad at lea t a B average in law ourses in the school previously attended. The law degree will not be conferred upon anyone markedly deficient in English, nor upon anyon who has not completed all the work in the fo-st year, which is prescribed. The school will not confer any degrees before June, 1928. Combination Curricuhun for A.B. and LL.B. Degrees The student may obtain the A.B. degree and the LL.B. degree in six years instead of seven. For details, see page 72. 
Admission to the Bar Th· course of study covers all the ·ubje ts prescribed for the state bar examination by the Supreme Court of Texa.. A stud ·nt who con,pl ·tes the cour c wiU be qualified, from the staaclpoint of residenc requirement and number of coi1rses, to qualify for tl1 bar examination. The Court is empowered to issue license to the graduates of those la'l'I schools whose equ.ipmcttt, faculty, and curriculum merit the recognition. It is the fixed purpose of the Univcnity to equip THE SCHOOL OF LAW 215 the Law. School o adequately and sele t a trained faculty so car�­fully that tho Supreme 0\1rt will grant the g_raduatcs of this school license to practice in all the courts of this state. Just as soon as facilities warrant, application will be made to the Supreme Court to recognize the school ; and it is belicyed tha� th� first g1"ad­uates will be awaTded their licens· at the time their diplomas are given. Tuition and Deposits Tuition per seme ter . . . . • . . . • , $101.50 ' (This Includes student activity fee of $12.00) Library deposit returnable less deduct10ns for damages and fines 5.ooCourses of Instruction FIRST YEAR Agency. Three hours a week, second semester. Wambaugh's Caseson Agency, second edition. (Holland.) Contracts. Three hours a week, both semesters. Williston's Caseson Contracts, second edition. (Rhea.) Criminal Law. Three hours a week, first semester. Mikell's Caseson Criminal Law. (Holland.) Legal Bibliography. One hour a week, first semester. Hicks's Material and Methods of Legal Research. (Holland.) Pleading. Two hours a week, both semesters. Sun_derland's Caseson Civil Procedure, Common Law Pleading. (Rhea.) Property I.· Two hours a week, first semester; three hours a week, second semester. Warren's Cases on Property. (Rhea.) Torts. Three hours a week, both semesters. Ames and Smith's Cases on Torts. Pound's edition. (Holland.) SECOND YEAR (These courses are subject to change. The na�es of the i?­structors and of the case books to be used will appear m the bulletm of the School of Law.) Bitfs and Notes. Three hours a week, second semester. l • C l C 
216 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY Civil Procedure. Three hours a week, both semesters. Equity. Three hours a week, both semesters. Partnership. Three hours a week, first semester. Persons. Two hours a week, first semester . .,.Property II. Three hours a week, first semester; two hours a week, second semester. Wills. Three hours a week, second semester. ,, 
ti' 
II 
Registration for 1925-26 
·,


1926-1927 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue, The School of Law

SMU’s School of Law was founded in 1925. At the time, SMU had only three buildings: Dallas Hall, Clements Hall, and the School of Theology’s Kirby Hall (now Florence Hall). The Law School and Law Library remained in Dallas Hall until 1951.https://scholar.smu.edu/law_libraryhistory/1022/thumbnail.jp

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1928-1929 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue

1927-1928 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue, The School of Law

1926-1927 Southern Methodist University Annual Catalogue, The School of Law

001 Dallas Hall

002 SMU School of Law at Dallas Hall during 1920s

The Purposes and Ideals of a University

17,139

18,736