Catholic Legal Education And The Formation Of Conscience

Daniel T. Judge (Notre Dame), Catholic Education and the Formation of Conscience, 96 Notre Dame L. Rev. Reflection 248 (2021):

Before all else, Catholic schools are “a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth. This relationship elicits a desire to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ and his teaching.” Accordingly, Catholic schools are called to assist in the formation and development of their students’ moral conscience. This, in turn, necessitates an inclusive environment; one that emphasizes human dignity in all its forms.

This Essay proceeds in two parts. Part I provides a short reflection on the Catholic Church’s commitment to inclusive education. Part II then discusses how this commitment relates to the mission of Notre Dame Law School, as well as some of the values that should continue to be emphasized. Ultimately, the Essay makes one simple point—when building a more inclusive environment, Notre Dame Law School should continue to emphasize the formation of conscience, which lies at the heart of its identity as a Catholic school.

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