Oral Histories

Interview of Richard C. Maxwell

Dean of the UCLA School of Law.
Subtitle:
Law School Modernizer
Series:
Z: Orphan Interviews pre 1999
Topic:
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA Faculty
Biographical Note:
Dean of the UCLA School of Law.
Interviewer:
Bertonneau, Thomas
Interviewee:
Maxwell, Richard C.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by Thomas Bertonneau, assistant editor and interviewer, Oral History Program, UCLA. B.A., Scandinavian languages, UCLA.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Abstract:
Childhood in Minneapolis; Scottish Presbyterian moral atmosphere; chemical engineering studies at University of Minnesota; decision to enter law school; stimulation of studies with William Prosser and Everett Fraser; Minnesota Law Review editor; World War II navy service in Pacific theater; Battle of Midway; occupation of Japan; completion of law degree; Stefan Reisenfeld, John Bauman, and Maxwell on Minnesota Law Review; teaching at University of North Dakota and University of Texas; working for Amerada Petroleum Company; joining UCLA School of Law faculty, 1953; expertise in oil and gas law; James H. Chadbourn and Ralph S. Rice; controversies surrounding law school; Allan McCoid; L. Dale Coffman; Academic Senate and law school; teaching at Columbia University, 1955; return to California for 1955-56 academic year; discriminatory attitudes in law school; recruitment of Murray L. Schwartz and Addison Mueller; Maxwell appointed acting dean, 1958, and dean, 1959; Chancellor Raymond B. Allen; rehabilitating law school's reputation; differences between law school professors and other professors; problems of appointment and tenure; development of faculty advisory committees; law school becomes full participant in university; Benjamin Aaron; gap between income of law school professors and lawyers outside universities; UCLA Law Library development; enlarging law school; increasing minority enrollment; Legal Educational Opportunities Program; Anthony McDermott; women in law school; support for teaching Bill of Rights in public schools.