미국 변호사 시험의 최근 동향 및 시사점 - 출제 및 평가를 중심으로 -

Recently, there have been increasing discussions on improving the bar examination system in South Korea since 10 years have been passed since the establishment of the Law School system, and the passing rate of bar examination is consistently decreasing. Most of the discussions merely focus on the passing rate or the number of successful applicants for the exam. In the United States, the passing rate of bar examinations has also continued to decline in recent years. But the focus of discussions is somewhat different from those of South Korea. Of course, there is also a debate about the passing rate. However, others also exist: whether the bar examination is selecting the candidates with sufficient legal knowledge in a reasonable and reliable way; what factors affect the result of applicants; and what is needed for the failed applicants and law schools. In South Korea, it is necessary to refer to the discussions in the U.S. and make efforts to improve the current bar examination system from various perspectives. Particularly, the fundamental purpose of the bar examination needs to be considered aiming at ensuring that citizens should be protected from incomplete legal services. Furthermore, it is desirable to more elaborately manage the bar examination system by utilizing psychometric research output.