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Reunification

Fri, 03/01/2024 - 3:54pm -- szb5706

For up-to-date information regarding the reunification of Penn State's two law schools, please click here.

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Grading Norms

J.D. Grading Norms

The Law faculty had established this grading norm for all J.D. students in: (1) all required courses; (2) electives with an enrollment of 30 or more; and (3) seminars and electives with an enrollment of 29 or fewer, as follows:

1. All required courses: Median = B.
Mean = 2.9-3.1.
Expect 15% A and A-.
Expect 15% C+ and below.
Expect 3-7% D and below.
2. Elective classroom courses (30+): Median = B.
Mean = 2.9-3.2.
Expect 15% A and A-.
Expect 15% C+ and below.
3. Seminars, small classes, etc. Median = B+.
Mean = 3.0-3.6.
No expectations.

These norms are suggested guidelines as opposed to rigid requirements.

LL.M. Grading Norm

The Law faculty has established this grading norm for LL.M. students. A grade is given solely on the basis of the instructor’s judgment as to the student’s scholarly attainment. A (EXCELLENT) indicates exceptional achievement; B (GOOD) indicates substantial achievement; C (SATISFACTORY) indicates acceptable but substandard achievement; D (POOR) indicates inadequate achievement; and F (FAILURE) indicates work unworthy of any credit, and suggests that the student may not be capable of succeeding in LL.M. study.

MLS/CLS Grading Norm

The Law faculty has established these grading norms for MLS/CLS students. A grade is given solely on the basis of the instructor’s judgment as to the student’s scholarly attainment. Grades in the “A” range (EXCELLENT) indicate exceptional achievement; grades in the “B” range (GOOD) indicate substantial achievement; grades in the “C” range (SATISFACTORY) indicate acceptable but substandard achievement; “D” grades (POOR) indicate inadequate achievement; and “F” grades (FAILURE) indicate work unworthy of any credit, and suggest that the student may not be capable of succeeding in the MLS/CLS program.