Category: Law School Outlines
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Understanding the Erie Doctrine: A Pillar of Federal-State Legal Dynamics
In the tapestry of American jurisprudence, few doctrines have had as transformative an impact as the Erie Doctrine, established by the Supreme Court in the 1938 decision of Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins. This doctrine redefined the application of state law in federal courts and reshaped the interaction between federal and state legal systems. This…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts
I. Introduction to Torts Torts are civil wrongs that lead to legal liability. In this course, you will explore the rules and principles governing tort liability. II. Intentional Torts Intentional torts occur when a person knowingly causes harm. This can include assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trespass to land, and trespass…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Property
I. Real Property A. Estates in Land – Fee Simple Absolute: This is the highest ownership interest one can have in property. It is inheritable and has no conditions or limitations. – Life Estate: This is an interest in property that lasts for the duration of a person’s life. Once the life tenant dies, the…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing
I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Legal research and writing is a foundational course in law school that introduces students to legal reasoning, research methodologies, and effective legal writing. II. Legal Research A. Introduction to Legal Research: Involves familiarization with primary and secondary legal sources, statutory interpretation, and case law analysis. B. Primary Sources:…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law
I. General Principles of Criminal Law A. Actus Reus This Latin term refers to the actual criminal act committed by the defendant. Without actus reus, there can be no conviction. Case: People v. Decina (1956) – The defendant, having knowledge of his epileptic condition, was convicted of negligent homicide after causing the death of several…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts
Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts I. Offer and acceptance: This is the first stage in the formation of a contract. An offer is a proposal from one party to another, indicating a willingness to enter into a contract. Acceptance is the agreement by the offeree to the terms of the offer. Case…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law
I. UNDERSTANDING CONSTITUTIONAL LAW A. The Constitution The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, establishing the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and limitations on government power. In studying constitutional law, it is critical to understand the principle of judicial review (Marbury v. Madison), which gives the courts the power…
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Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure
The Wyoming Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure provides essential concepts, relevant facts, and case laws that form the basis of civil procedure in the state of Wyoming. This guide is designed to give law students a comprehensive overview of fundamental principles, legal doctrines, and jurisprudence that are necessary for their final semester…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts
Title: 1L Study Guide for Torts – University of Wisconsin Law School I. Introduction to Torts Torts are civil wrongs recognized by law as grounds for a lawsuit. These wrongs result in an injury or harm constituting the basis for a claim by the injured party. While some torts are also crimes punishable with imprisonment,…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Property
Title: Study Guide for Property – Wisconsin Law School 1L I. Real Property Basics – Property law governs relationships between individuals and the things they own. – Typically, it is divided into personal property (movable, like furniture) and real property (immovable, like land). II. Estates in Land – Freehold estates: Fee simple absolute, fee simple…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing
I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Summary: This introductory section focuses on the basics of legal research and writing. It covers important skills such as locating and interpreting case law, statutes, and secondary sources. II. Statutory Interpretation Summary: Statutory interpretation is a critical part of legal research. It involves understanding how to interpret and…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law
WISCONSIN CRIMINAL LAW STUDY GUIDE I. INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act classified as a crime. In Wisconsin, a crime is an act prohibited by state law and punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Key Concept: Mens Rea and Actus Reus – The two…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts
I. General Principles of Contract Law Summary: Contract law revolves around the enforcement of promises and agreements. The key elements of a contract include offer, acceptance, consideration, and a mutual intent to be bound. Cases: Lucy v. Zehmer (1954): Enforced a contract for the sale of land, despite one party claiming they were joking when…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law
Title: Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. Constitutional Law Overview Constitutional law entails the study of the interpretation and implementation of the United States Constitution. It governs the roles and powers of the three branches of government: the judicial, legislative, and executive branches. In Wisconsin, state constitutional law also applies. II.…
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Wisconsin Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure
I. Introduction to Civil Procedure Civil procedure refers to the body of law governing the methods and practices used in civil litigation. It can be divided into two categories: substantive law and procedural law. Substantive law defines the rights and duties of individuals, whereas procedural law outlines the steps for having a right or duty…
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West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts
Title: West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts Introduction to Torts Torts are civil wrongs recognized by law as a reason for a lawsuit. They lead to injury or harm, which constitutes the basis for a claim by the injured party. It encompasses negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and damage to property.…
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West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Property
Title: West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Property I. Possession and Ownership: Possession refers to the control a person physically exercises over an object. Ownership refers to the bundle of rights and duties that one has concerning things. Finder’s Rights: The rule is first in time, first in right. The first person to…
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West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing
I. Legal Research and Writing Basics Legal research involves finding primary sources of law in a particular jurisdiction and secondary sources that explain the law. Legal writing is a type of technical writing used by lawyers, judges, legislators, and others in law to express legal analysis, legal rights, and duties. Primary Legal Sources: 1. Constitutions:…
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West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law
West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Basic Concepts of Criminal Law A. Actus Reus & Mens Rea Actus Reus refers to the physical act of the crime, while Mens Rea denotes the mental intent behind the act. Both are necessary elements to prove a crime. B. Strict Liability Crimes Strict…
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West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts
West Virginia Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts I. Introduction to Contracts A contract is a legally binding agreement between parties. A valid contract requires an offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual agreement. A. Offer An offer is a proposal by one party to enter into an agreement with another. The offer must be definite,…