TAPPING REEVE HOUSE & LAW SCHOOL

The oldest law school in America is located in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

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an empty room with wooden paneling and two stools in front of the window

At the first law school in America, you'll find displayed a replica of the lectern used by Tapping Reeve (the founder of Litchfield Law School) and the judge's chair used during moot court sessions.

Tapping Reeve conceived of the idea of lecturing students about the law to prepare them for their bar exam and law practice. At the time, lawyers learned their profession through apprenticeships. According to the Litchfield Historical Society-- students took copious notes that were later recopied into leather binders. Learn more at http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/history/law_school.php.

an old wooden room with two tables and chairs in the center, one table is made out of wood

Presidents

County

Supreme Court Justices

In Law Suite

The first law school was founded in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Over 1100 students attended this school until it closed in 1833. Guess how many Vice Presidents, Congressmen, Senators, Cabinet members, U.S. Supreme Court Justices and Governors attended this school? Find out at http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/lawschool/students.php.

an old white house sitting on top of a lush green field

Aaron Burr

Law Student

Running For President

Vice President

Lawyer

The closest structure housed the first law school in America. The house farther back belonged to Tapping Reeve, a lawyer, who founded the school. Tapping Reeve's first law student was Aaron Burr, who ran for president and lost, but became Vice President instead. Who was the other Vice President that attended this school? Find out here-- http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ledger/materials/59.