Our History

The People’s Law School at the University of Oregon School of Law was founded in 1972 by a few law students. The law students wanted to first test out the program and see how the community would respond. The pilot program consisted of 12 courses spread over 3 weeks. The program offered free course Monday through Thursday beginning at 7:30 p.m. The courses covered Oregon’s new criminal code; landlord-tenant relations; welfare and the law; and women’s rights and family law. Additionally, courses about contract drafting, prisoner’s rights, Indian law, legal research, labor law, consumer protection, and juvenile law could be added to a full-fledged program. The courses were taught by Oregon Law students in a warehouse just outside of downtown Eugene; however, they were also assisted by the Council of the Poor. Just over a year later in 1973, the People’s Law School began to offer 2 bi-weekly courses. The courses were advertised in the Daily Emerald on November 12, 1973:

Articles written about the original People’s Law School can be found below: