LSAC's Decision Sparks Controversy as Logic Games Are Removed from LSAT

The LSAC's Decision: The End of Logic Games
 

In a recent announcement, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has set off a wave of emotions within the legal community by deciding to remove the "logic games" section from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), effective August 2024. In its place, this section will be replaced with additional logical reasoning questions, eliciting a wide range of reactions.
 
Mixed Reactions from Legal Scholars
 
Notable legal scholars have expressed their views on this change. UC Berkeley law professor Orin Kerr welcomed the decision, referring to the analytical reasoning questions, the official name of the logic games, as "a silly barrier" to law school admission. Kerr succinctly stated, "Good riddance," arguing that logic games fail to assess the reasoning skills essential for a legal career.
 
In contrast, Yale Law School professor Taisu Zhang had a different perspective, emphasizing the value of logic games. Zhang believed that this section allowed students to have some fun and relieve the intense pressure of the LSAT. He argued that logical categorization, a skill honed in this section, is highly relevant to various aspects of legal practice.
 
Logic Games vs. Logical Reasoning
 
To understand the implications of this change, it's essential to distinguish between logic games and logical reasoning. Logic games require test-takers to solve complex puzzles, such as arranging dinner party guests based on specific rules. At the same time, logical reasoning questions involve reading a passage and answering questions based on its content.
 
Legal Background: The ADA Settlement
 
This decision to remove logic games comes after a legal settlement in 2019 between the LSAC and two blind LSAT takers who argued that logic games violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They claimed that the diagrams necessary for this section disadvantaged them. The settlement granted the LSAC four years to reevaluate and revise the logic games, but the lead plaintiff's attorney did not comment on this development.
 
Historical Context: Analytical Reasoning Since 1982
 
Analytical reasoning, also known as logic games, has been a part of the LSAT since 1982. According to LSAC President Kellye Testy, it has consistently been the most polarizing aspect of the test, with passionate opinions on both sides. Some test-takers loved the challenge, while others found it frustrating.
 
Expert Insights: Logic Games' Teachability
 
Despite their challenging nature, several LSAT tutors have highlighted the educational value of logic games. They believe mastering these questions is a skill that can be taught through practice more effectively than other test sections. This perspective has been echoed by LSAT takers on platforms like Reddit, who see logic games as an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication and ability to overcome hurdles.
 
Conclusion
 
In conclusion, the LSAC's decision to retire logic games from the LSAT has sparked many emotions within the legal community. While some celebrate the change, others lament the loss of a section they found both challenging and enjoyable. The implications of this shift on the future of law school admissions remain a topic of intense discussion among legal scholars and students alike.