"The First 100 Years: UMKC School of Law: An Abridged History" by Robert C. Downs
 

Publication Date

Summer 1996

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This article provides a historical account of the first century of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law, highlighting its founding, evolution, and key milestones. Established in 1895 as the Kansas City School of Law, the institution grew from a small private legal training center into a fully integrated part of the University of Missouri system. The history details the school’s transformation through significant events such as its merger with the University of Kansas City in 1938 and its incorporation into the University of Missouri in 1963. The narrative also explores the changing demographics of the student body, the impact of national events such as World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement, and the contributions of distinguished faculty, alumni, and students—including Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Whittaker. The article balances institutional records with personal stories, anecdotes, and reflections on student life, faculty dynamics, and legal education reforms over time. This centennial retrospective underscores the enduring legacy and influence of UMKC School of Law in shaping the legal profession.

Publication Title

University of Missouri Kansas City Law Review

Volume

64

Issue

4

Download

Plum Print visual indicator of research metrics
PlumX Metrics
  • Usage
    • Downloads: 20
    • Abstract Views: 3
see details

Share

COinS