 | University of Virginia catalogue |  |
COURSE OF STUDY.
The course is designed for two sessions, and in general it is not
prudent to devote less time to it, the future professional success of the
student depending much upon his full mastery of it. It is a maxim
sanctioned by long and wide experience, that "he who is not a good
lawyer when he comes to the bar, will seldom be a good one afterwards."
And in order to such thorough acquaintance with the elements
of the law, thought is requisite as well as reading; and for the
purpose of thought, there must be time to digest, as well as industry
to acquire. One cannot expect to gorge himself with law, as a boa-constrictor
the process of assimilation must go on, if it is to proceed healthfully
and beneficially, at the same time with the reception of knowledge. So
the athlete judges, who wishes to train the physical man to the most
vigorous development, and the intellectual athlete should imitate the
example.
But whilst the student is advised, as a general rule, not to attempt to
complete the course in a single session, yet, if he chooses to essay it (as
some do successfully) he is admitted to the graduating examinations,
and if he attains the standard required, he is entitled to the degree.
| University of Virginia catalogue | |