How to Study for Law Exams | As on Law School Finals! | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to go from a B exam answer to an A by avoiding common mistakes, utilizing case law, formatting effectively, understanding your professor's preferences, and exploring multiple arguments.

Key Insights

• 😥 Creating arguments based on facts rather than restating them is vital for earning points in law school exams.
• 🧑‍🏭 Utilizing case law to analogize or distinguish facts strengthens your analysis and demonstrates a deeper understanding of legal principles.
• ⤴️ Effective formatting, including headings, sub-headings, paragraph breaks, and numbered rule elements, improves readability and helps professors allocate points.
• 👻 Understanding your professor's preferences allows you to tailor your answer to meet their expectations and increase your chances of scoring higher.
• 😥 Avoiding preconceived notions and exploring multiple arguments for each issue can help you consider all perspectives and earn points for nuanced arguments.
• 👨‍🏫 Joining a law school network or group can provide motivation, support, and confidence during the exam period.
• 😫 Setting yourself apart from the middle of the pack requires strategic and thoughtful analysis of the exam scenario.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How can restating facts instead of creating arguments negatively impact your law school exam grade?

When you merely restate facts, you fail to show the professor why those facts are relevant to the analysis and what argument you are connecting them back to, resulting in zero points. It is crucial to connect facts to a rule of law to create a strong argument.

Q: How can you effectively use case law in your exam answers?

By analogizing or distinguishing facts from a case you have studied, you can argue for a favorable ruling from a similar perspective. This shows your understanding of the legal principles involved and strengthens your analysis.

Q: How does formatting play a role in improving your exam answers?

Formatting, including headings, sub-headings, generous paragraph breaks, and numbered rule elements, helps make your answer easily read and logically structured. It allows the professor to quickly identify and allocate points, increasing your chances of scoring higher.

Q: How can understanding your professor's preferences enhance your exam answers?

Learn what your professor likes to see in final exam answers, such as structuring your analysis using the IRAC approach or stating conclusions at the beginning and end. Tailor your answer accordingly to meet their expectations and maximize your score.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many students lose points on law school final exams by restating facts instead of using them to create arguments.

• Utilize case law studied in class to analogize or distinguish facts in the exam scenario and strengthen your analysis.

• Effective formatting, such as headings, sub-headings, paragraph breaks, and numbered rule elements, improves readability and enhances your chances of earning points.