It is common for the curve to be mandatory for first-year ("1L") courses, and for classes above a certain size.
Grading on a curve contributes to the notoriously competitive atmosphere within law schools.
"The main source of this competition is the mandatory curve you will likely encounter once you enter law school.
"[1] Some law schools set their curve lower to retain scholarship funding; others set their curve higher to make their students more competitive in the job market.
The following list shows where law schools set the 50% mark for an individual class subject to the curve.