1L Review: Property I & II and Professor Ehrlich

As you read in last blog, my grade dropped significantly from Property I to Property II.  This does not mean Property II was harder or more difficult or even significantly different than Property I, as stated last blog, it means nothing.  Property I and Property II, in my opinion, are basically the same.  While most of Property I was "older" law, Property II was more recent law.

One of the things I liked about Property II was a more realistic application of some of the concepts discussed.  One of those was tenant-landlord relationships.  As most students have a landlord, comparing the concepts learned to our own "real" world experience aided in understanding the concepts.  The ability to put what was learned to use usually aids in learning the topic.

I don't feel the concepts in Property are too difficult.  And I also don't think Cal Western's curriculum over burdens the topic.  In one outside source I listened to, the professor stated property is one of the hardest topics in law because of the magnitude of concepts and topics to learn.  Although there are a lot of concepts taught, Professor Ehrlich doesn't overburden the class.  Property is not that bad.

Moving onto Professor Ehrlich.  Of our classes, his classes are closer to under-grad classes than anyone else's.  He stays behind the lectern and uses a powerpoint.  But that doesn't mean this isn't a law school class!

Professor Ehrlich has some strict rules, not as strict as Professor Bowermaster, but still strict.  Also if you ask a question in class, you had better be prepared to have the question thrown back at you.  That's right, if you ask a question, Professor Ehrlich will most likely not answer it.  You will.

Remember this is law school.  You are learning the law and how to apply the law.  The application of the law requires arguments to be made for and against how the law is to be applied.  Professor Ehrlich makes you argue an answer to your own question.  This is his Socratic method.  Once you get used to his way, the class is very enjoyable.  And the class is already enjoyable to begin with.  Property class always flew by.

Now, Professor Ehrlich is not the most human of law professors.  At times he will appear to treat you like just another number, as if he has no feelings for you or anyone for that matter.  For example, he felt the need to put in his PowerPoint the fact he has enjoyed the past year with us.  Who actually does that?  But, if you go to office hours, you find a caring professor who treats you like a human.  So don't be afraid of Professor Ehrlich.

Property I and II are similar in concepts but the second semester allows a better application to aid in learning.  Professor Ehrlich's style of teaching, though close to under-grad, is interesting and facilitates learning.  His class is over before you know it.  And so it was.