2.5

Irwin Stotzky

Law - University of Miami School of Law

2.5
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
25%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
2.5
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.6
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

25%

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

13

4

15

3

11

2

16

1

28

What Students Say

" Good luck if you have to take him

ELEM101 - 1.0 rating

I really hated this class when I took it

LAW999 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

97%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 24 grades
Most common grades:
A- (6)
Not sure yet (6)
B (5)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(7)C(5)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 31 reported grades
A-: 6
Not sure yet: 6
B: 5
B+: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (10)
Tough grader (10)
Graded by few things (5)
Hilarious (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Lecture heavy (3)
Tough Grader (2)
Inspirational (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.15 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Apr
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CRIMINAL

4.0

(1)

CRIMCONLAW1

4.0

(1)

ELEME000

4.0

(1)

ELEMD

4.0

(1)

ED

4.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CRIMINAL

5.0

LAW999

5.0

LAW6666

5.0

ED

5.0

CRIMPROI

4.5

Reviews (83)
2.0
3.0
CRIMPRO
Feb 25, 2003

Was stuck on only ONE area of crim pro, searches & seizures, for the entire semester. Does not seem to catch on that there's more to crim pro than that.

2.0
4.0
CRIMPRO
Feb 28, 2003

How could he teach Crim Pro and not even mention Miranda??? Nice man, but disorganized lectures and exams with no grading scale. Rumor has it he throws the exams down the stairs and the ones at the top get As, bottom get Cs.

5.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
May 14, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Sep 1, 2003

He works hard at preparing for class and expects the same from students.

4.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Sep 20, 2003

I love this guy but he is a tough prof. Make sure you brief every case!

1.0
5.0
CRIMPROI
Oct 6, 2003

He's been teaching exactly the same course on Search and Seizure for decades. Ultimately, unfortunatly, whatever you discuss in class does not help you 1 iota for the exam. Just stick to reading the casebook, ignore what you do in class, and you'll do ok.

2.0
5.0
CRIMPRO
Dec 13, 2003

what you talk about in class is absolutely not on the exam

3.0
4.0
CRIMPRO
Apr 28, 2004

interesting class with engaging lectures, but, unfortunately, his tests are arbitrary, irrelevant, and poorly crafted. what you primarily learn (search and seizure)throughout the semester will be of little use on the exam.

4.0
5.0
CRIMINAL
May 2, 2004

Nice professor, very knowledgeable, but needs to learn how to write an exam that actually goes along with what was covered in class.

4.0
3.0
ELEMENTS
Jul 4, 2004

This guy was great. He kind of looks like a muppet with glasses and a blue blazer, but funnier. Final Exam Q: "What would you tell Mr. Wakeman's attorney about Mr. Butler's ring and what would Calicles say about what you said?"Answer exactl

5.0
4.0
CRIMPRO
Nov 3, 2004

Amazing historical background to 4th and 5th amendments. Understanding and appreciating how he put this material together has given me incredible insight into how to analyze and argue modern day problems.

1.0
3.0
ELEMENTS
Nov 30, 2004

Elements is a ridiculous class where you learn next to nothing of use. Ok lets go over torts and contracts which we do anyways in other classes and then throw in an awful exam that is nothing more than philosophical musings. mr. burns

4.0
4.0
CRIMCONLAW1
Grade: Fail
Dec 11, 2004

Pretty odd guy; can be funny; has been around forever

5.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Jan 8, 2005

Prof Stotzky has been my favorite so far. Elements is an *extremely* useful class if you really dig into the materials - you learn tothink like a lawyer. The point is not to relearn torts and contracts (see the other user comments). You really have to want to do well.

4.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Jan 13, 2005

nice, decent guy, random subject

3.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Jan 21, 2005

Subject is useless. Nice guy though.

2.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Feb 5, 2005

Ok here it is; I really want to hate the man but he's just too cool! His lectures are as organized as a haystack in a tornado and he seems terribly boring but the man has charisma... I want to hate him but I can't.

3.0
3.0
ELEMENTS
Apr 8, 2005

Well, like the other rater, I want to hate him, but you can't. He is a cool guy. He means well with Elements, but the fact is law students care about grades. Not many want to immerse themselves in the study of law. It is a shame, but it is the fact when jobs and huge loan repayments are on the line.

5.0
1.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: A
Aug 31, 2005

I didn't like the subject of elements, but I loved the professor!

3.0
3.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: B
Sep 17, 2005

Its a required class so not much you can do about it. Hated the topic, but Stotzky is a good guy. You'll see him all over. Very friendly. Likes getting to know the students.

1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Dec 6, 2005

The problem with this class is that everyone has the old outlines. So in order for him to make it so everyone does not get an A he throws in a ridiculous exam. Good luck trying to figure out what it even says, much less write something on it in a couple hours.

1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Dec 7, 2005

This class made me regret attending UM. Time spent reading, briefing, and studying during the whole semester was a waste. The exam was incoherent & unreadable. It's unacceptable that he is permitted to give exams that do not test one's knowledge or effort because he has his lectures memorized and hasn't updated his syllabus or textbook in 30 years.

4.0
2.0
ELEMENTS
Mar 2, 2006

i'm one of the few who really liked elements, but he is still a great professor who's very smart, fair, witty, and cares about his students.

1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Jan 26, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Mar 3, 2006

He doesn't give anybody an A on the exam; if you want one, you'd better hope he "adjusts" your grade for participation. Also, answer some questions wrong in class - it makes him feel smart.

5.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Apr 28, 2006

Stotzky is not about giving out a bunch of A's. But law school is about more than just getting an "A". Stotzky is a bright guy and he expects a lot from his students. I would advise against going to class unprepared because he does call on students EVERY class.

5.0
4.0
CRIMPROI
Jun 7, 2006

great prof--funny stories...get an outline and you'll be fine!!

2.0
2.0
CRIM101
Sep 7, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
LAW999
Sep 13, 2006

I really hated this class when I took it. I still do. It doesn't help you as a lawyer, it just takes time out of your already busy first year.

2.0
3.0
CRIMPRO
Nov 1, 2006

Unfair final exam - old finals on file at the library not helpful (just Qs, no As) My exam had 3 essay Qs: 1 was on a subject he had barely addressed and 1 was completely convoluted and vague. Totally subjective and random grading. Takes attendance. Warning: if you volunteer an answer in class, he will keep calling on you for the rest of class.

1.0
4.0
LAW100
Jan 9, 2007

he sucks is difficult in class acts like an **** and you don't learn anything from him...i did well though- just don't write any more than teh word limit which is ridiculously small

3.0
3.0
ELEM1
Feb 10, 2007

Boooooorrrrriiiiinnnnggggg. zzzz....Total waste of a class

3.0
4.0
BB
Jan 23, 2008

Nice guy. Dont take Elements to seriously. Get outline and you will be fine.

1.0
5.0
ELEM101
Aug 15, 2008

AWFUL. THIS GUY IS DRAGGING THE SCHOOL DOWN.

1.0
4.0
ELMNTC
Nov 11, 2008

he is very knowledgable, but no one seems to have any idea what he is saying over 90% of the time

1.0
5.0
LAW6666
Feb 10, 2009

Elements is a waste of time and money.

4.0
3.0
ELEME000
Mar 24, 2009

Read all the cases, make a chart to follow the pattern to see how the case law develops-charts and more charts! On the philosphers-go to the Dean Fellow's session to better understand. The philosphers will make sense at the end of the class. The exam is time tight so make sure you keep track of time.

5.0
2.0
CRIMPRO
Mar 11, 2010

I loved him. I think he is the best. I don't get why so many people couldn't tolerate him. I would recommend his classes and I am already researching to find out what classes he has next semester. It could really just be me, but i totally got and understood him.

2.0
5.0
ELEME101
Jun 14, 2011

The worst classes I ever took. The book is outdated. The material is totally useless and doesn't reach the goal elements is supposed to achieve. If you get to chose elements prof. do not take this prof.

5.0
3.0
ELEME101
Mar 18, 2012

Tough grader. It is a weird class, but if you do all the readings, and make case charts, you will be fine.

4.0
4.0
ELEMD
May 24, 2012

Elements is the most practical course you will ever take in law school. Do yourself the favor of reading all the cases (more than once!) and long form brief. Most people are intimidated by him, don't be. Do the work and will get good grades in all your future classes if you re-apply the same tactics.

4.0
5.0
ED
Jul 3, 2012

Stotzky is the standard bearer for educational excellence. His course is scholarly and demanding. The hardest and most rewarding class taught at UM Law. It makes a student out of you. The best way to handle this class is by studying with other people. This class will remind you that there is a differnce between knowledge and understanding.

3.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Apr 24, 2013

A welcome to law school. Tough Professor, Co-wrote our book (old book) but old because its relevant to class. You reap what you sow in the class and will teach you to think like a lawyer. Very useful class but you won't realize it until after you take it. Participation helps your grade. Abstract exam, very philosophical. Separates "men from boys"

4.0
4.0
LAW16
Grade: A-
Jun 15, 2014

Awesome professor.

3.0
4.0
LAW16
Jan 30, 2015

Criminal Procedure I: Extremely smart man. However, the final exam came far out of left field, testing knowledge on pre-1776 search and seizure law and obscure material handed out in the beginning of the semester discussing outlawry and British cases.

5.0
2.0
CRIMPRO
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2015

Stotz is fair. I would say that his exam was a bit more policy than it was criminal procedure, but he focused on making sure the student understood how to think like a judge, rather than a criminal defense lawyer. He engages in his lectures. He sticks to his rubric, but will add stories to make the class fun to attend. Respectful & he really cares.

1.0
4.0
ELEM101
Apr 6, 2016

Elements is a made up topic that not even the other law professors understand. Going in you should know he grades his test on "feel points." Good luck if you have to take him.

3.0
3.0
LAW13A
Nov 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Had Stotzky for Elements. A little crotchety, but overall, a really nice guy. Fascinating career - if he still practiced, I'd totally intern for him. The problem is his class - no one in the past 30 years has been able to determine what it's about. Don't know if he'd be any better in another course, so probably wouldn't take him again.

Tough Grader
Inspirational
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
LAW013
Nov 30, 2017
Would take again

I learned a lot from Stotzky's Elements class. He makes you work hard, but he teaches with passion. I am very happy I had him as my professor.

Get ready to read
Would take again
4.0
3.0
ELEM101
Grade: B+
Apr 10, 2018
Would take again

Stotzky makes you think about all of the different facets (like what to think about when going in front of a judge.) that come with being a good lawyer. You won't be happy with Stotzky's teaching style if you "just want the answer." As long as you have an open mind and are willing to participate in class, you will do well.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ELEM1
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Stotzky is a nice guy away from class, and his lectures are occasionally interesting on some level. An inexplicably strict character limit on the final exam means your entire grade comes down to 2pgs of writing. Its basically just a test in conciseness, which is important, but is way over valued here. I Still have no idea what elements is. boo

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
GROUP PROJECTS
4.0
4.0
LAW13
Dec 7, 2018
Would take again

Stotzky is a wonderful person, and you can tell he's passionate about the material. The material is challenging and equally as challenging is figuring out what the class itself is about. You def need to pay attn and put in the work, but at the end of the day, he really doesn't wanna fail anyone. Just be satisfied with a C.

2.0
3.0
ELEME101
Grade: B-
Jan 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Good Professor, terrible at making exams. I learned plenty in his class, there was only one small problem: he emphasized the cases on the casebook he authored exhaustively, then proceeded to give a final exam entirely composed of law philosophers he admired. Additionally, I find it pompous that he holds himself in the same regards as Holmes/Cardozo

TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: C+
Jan 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Nice, polite professor. That being said, his final exam had nothing to do with his lectures. Interesting class, but his unclear grading criteria is unhelpful and frustrating.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ELEM101
Grade: C-
Apr 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Stotzky should not be teaching this 1st semester 1L course. The grade you receive in this class is arbitrary. There are those who have read every case in the and end up with Cs, and those who haven't read a word of the casebook with Bs. 1Ls are better off going to a different law school altogether instead of being forced to take Elements with Stotz

Tough grader
2.0
5.0
ELEM101
Apr 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Horrible. He can be funny and has good stories. Otherwise, his lectures are complicated, and he teaches us old British law. I know his heart is in the right place, but the class feels irrelevant at times. Final was awful. Even his dean's fellows had trouble explaining how to study for it. Assigned us summer reading but didn't test us once on it.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
LAW13
Grade: B+
Apr 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Panders the entirety of class and you will not know what you need to by the end of the semester. The topic itself is infamous in the area. Lawyers who have practiced for years still don't understand the point of this class.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ELEM101
May 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Infamous at UM. Even students from 20 years ago dread him. Pointless class. Final that skips most of the material. Even his Dean's Fellows, blessed souls they were, had no idea what he would test on. Funny sometimes but is clearly losing his memory, often repeating the same stories in literally the same words. Should retire.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
ELEM101
Grade: B-
May 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Irwin is a not a bad person, and in fact he's quite pleasant generally. This course badly needs to be re-vamped. Irwin is a testament to why tenure should be eliminated and he should be forced to evolve or retire. Absolute GPA killer and you will not learn 1 iota of practice applicable law. Really a shame that this is what UM law is known for.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
ELEM101
May 28, 2019
Would take again

Be prepared for class. His class is not so bad if the whole section is prepared. It reflects poorly when he has to ask a question to five people before someone actually read the assigned material. Don't let yourself get caught up in the talk about Elements. You'll realize how useful the class is for all of your other courses. He really cares.

5.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: B+
Feb 9, 2020
Would take again

I love him!!! Very intelligent professor, and he has so many jokes lol A ton of reading though. It took me a few weeks to understand the course; however, if you are a big fan of philosophy, you'll love Professor Stotzky! Also the way he "forced" us to make case statements is quite useful for preparing oral argument in the second semester.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Inspirational
5.0
3.0
LAW16
May 29, 2020
Would take again

Professor Stotzky is an absolute legend. I had him for Crim Pro and hated him for the first 3 weeks. I had trouble taking notes during class because it seemed like he was reading off a script. But he is such a genuine person. I had him during COVID so we switched to pass/fail, which might explain why he was lenient. But I wish he was my dad.

Respected
Hilarious
Caring
2.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Textbook is extremely outdated and badly organized, lectures are mostly incoherent rambling, and no one (even alumni) understands the point of his class. But his final was almost exactly like the prior exams on file in the library. Focus on legal realism (he loves Llewelyn), study the indefiniteness cases closely, and youll be on the right track.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 8, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Honestly, if you have him as your Elements professor, just drop out. He is extremely rude and thinks his class is the most important class, it's honestly useless. There is never a right answer and if you raise your hand to answer his question, he just makes you look dumb in front of the whole class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: A-
Apr 28, 2023
Would take again

Class is difficult cause he really just throws into a bunch of doctrine you have no business learning about. But read Bramble Bush and listen to him in class. Read case briefs before class, and add or edit the briefs based on what he says. The key to getting a B+ or higher is being specific on his test. Likes to scare 1Ls but everyone does.

5.0
3.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: A-
Jun 13, 2023
Would take again

Stotzky is a legend. Everybody dislikes elements, regardless of who the professor is. Stotzky wrote the class though, so it's best to take it with him. He's hilarious and really nice. Anyone that says he's mean is a wusssy and probably shouldn't be an attorney. Respect the man and get to know him personally, he's an invaluable resource.

Hilarious
Respected
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Nov 30, 2023

To avoid accusations of bias, this review is being written before the exam so I have neither done well not poorly in this class. Professor Stotzky is a nice man who is accessible outside of class via office hours. Elements should not longer be a required class at UM Law. The class gives few practical lawyering skills and does not help for the bar.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
ELEM101
Jan 22, 2024

In the greater Miami community Stotzky is infamous, and having just taken him I can see why. Doesn't know how to teach and having come out the other end still nobody knows what the class is even about or what we learned. I don't want my review taken down so I will just leave it at that, but he is quite possible the worst 'professor' you could get.

Participation matters
1.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: B+
Feb 6, 2024

Unable to convey material properly. The textbook that you use, which he wrote, is shocking to say the least. Not sure how he fell into this job. Beware.

1.0
5.0
ELEM1
Grade: B
Feb 15, 2024

The most prominent senior lawyers in the country would struggle on his exam. The class is infamous in the Miami community. If you have the misfortune of being drawn into Stotzky's class, take solace that we have fallen in front of you, good luck.

2.0
1.0
ELEM1
Grade: A-
Feb 27, 2024
Would take again

Too academic for his own good. The class is mostly pointless, but if you read you should do well. The final is mostly not about the cases, is almost entirely multiple choice on Bramble Bush and other supplemental readings. Get a great outline.

1.0
1.0
ELEM101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 13, 2024

Posting this now so not accused of bias. He's very political and rambles on and on about things that won't help you learn law. Take someone else if you have a choice.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
CRIMPRO
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 26, 2024

Stotzky is a sweetie, but teaching style is not effective at all. Sad I did not really learn anything about criminal procedure as it was a class I was most looking forward to. He is very nice and funny though I will give him that! Good luck.

Caring
3.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: A-
Aug 4, 2024

Elements should no longer be required for first semester 1Ls. My advice is to brief the assigned cases before class and ignore the notes in between cases in the book. Particularly focus in on his Unit on Indefiniteness and make sure to actually read the mandatory novels. Try to download PDFs of all the books before the final (open file exam).

2.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: B
Aug 4, 2024

By finals, I had no clue what we had learned in class (felt like a contracts class). Cases are confusing and he cold calls so try to be prepared. Best part of class is when he goes on tangents and away from class material. I got a B somehow so if you write a coherent essay, you will be fine. To this day still don't know what Elements is. Good Luck!

2.0
3.0
ELEM1
Grade: B
Nov 21, 2024

This little pervert once walked into my room without knocking. Will tell you the same story about shlameel and shlamazle over and over and over again.

2.0
4.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2024

He hated my class and punished us by, for the first time in ~30 years, not letting us have our outlines with us during the exam (just the books, which suck to read). He didn't give us enough time to finish the multiple choice, and most of the questions were about how someone would decide cases, but we never went over that guy's philosophy in class!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: C+
Jan 10, 2025

I have never reviewed a professor, but after sitting through rambling lectures filled with political digressions and stories about how he has proudly annoyed people throughout his life only to take a final focused exclusively on books never mentioned in class, I had to help lower his score, even though he derives curmudgeonly satisfaction from it.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
1.0
1.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2025

Stotzky is the epitome of what is wrong with america. This self loathing weirdo will spend the entire semester talking about his own personal accomplishments and not teach a single relevant topic. Don't speak in class either because he will bully you. The final exam is a joke. He needs to be let go to make UM Law respectable again!

1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Jan 12, 2025

Worst professor I've ever had. This class is a waste of time and should be taken out of UM law.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ELEMENTS
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2025

This course fell far below the standards of what students at Miami Law should expect, especially given the cost and importance of legal education. Stotzkys is awful. I hope the administration seriously reevaluates this course. Students deserve professors who actually teach in a clear, organized, and student centered way This was not that experience

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ELEM1
Grade: C
May 14, 2025

The biggest waste of time of my life. Every horror story you've heard about him is true.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ELEM101
Grade: C
Aug 17, 2025

I struggled to understand the value of Elements. Professor Stotzky often assumed prior legal knowledge and spoke in abstract, philosophical terms that were difficult to follow as a 1L. This made it hard to grasp the material or see its relevance to becoming a successful attorney. This was the only class that seriously made me consider dropping out.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

97%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 24 grades
Most common grades:
A- (6)
Not sure yet (6)
B (5)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(7)C(5)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 31 reported grades
A-: 6
Not sure yet: 6
B: 5
B+: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (10)
Tough grader (10)
Graded by few things (5)
Hilarious (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Lecture heavy (3)
Tough Grader (2)
Inspirational (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.15 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Apr
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CRIMINAL

4.0

(1)

CRIMCONLAW1

4.0

(1)

ELEME000

4.0

(1)

ELEMD

4.0

(1)

ED

4.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CRIMINAL

5.0

LAW999

5.0

LAW6666

5.0

ED

5.0

CRIMPROI

4.5

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