Category: Law School Outlines

Missouri Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. Introduction to Constitutional Law A. Constitution Overview Concept Summary: The U.S. Constitution establishes the framework of the federal government and enumerates rights and liberties. It is the supreme law of the land. Applicable Law: Articles I-III outline the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial…

Missouri Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure Civil Procedure is a fundamental course for first-year law students that outlines the rules and processes that courts follow in civil lawsuits. The following study guide focuses on key topics of Civil Procedure with an emphasis on Missouri state-specific rules and federal law, where applicable. I.…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts I. Introduction to Torts – Torts are civil wrongs that cause harm to individuals or property. – The primary aim of tort law is to provide relief to injured parties for harms caused by others, to impose liability on parties responsible for the harm, and to deter…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Property I. Introduction to Property Law Definition of Property: Legal rights that allow individuals to possess, use, and transfer land, personal items, and intangible benefits. Types of Property: Real property (land and things permanently attached to it) and personal property (movable objects). II. Possession and Ownership Acquisition of…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing A. Importance of legal research and writing skills for lawyers B. Understanding the hierarchy of legal authority in Mississippi and the United States C. Primary vs. Secondary sources of law II. Legal Research A. Overview of Legal…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law Introduction to Mississippi Criminal Law Mississippi criminal law is governed by both the Mississippi Code and common law principles. Understanding the state’s specific penal code, rules of criminal procedure, and judicial interpretations of these laws is essential. Students must familiarize themselves with the following concepts: Elements…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts I. Introduction to Contract Law A. Definition of a Contract A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties that creates mutual obligations. The essentials of a contract include offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and legality. B. Sources of Contract Law Common Law: Governs most…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. The Constitution of the United States – Understanding the structure (Preamble, Articles, Amendments) – The concept of Federalism – Separation of powers among the three branches of government II. Judicial Review – Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review – Issue: Whether…

Mississippi Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure I. Introduction to Civil Procedure Civil procedure is the body of law that sets out the rules and standards that courts follow when adjudicating civil lawsuits (as opposed to criminal proceedings). This includes everything from the pre-trial stages to the trial itself and the potential appeals…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts I. Introduction to Torts Torts are civil wrongs that cause someone to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the wrongful act. The primary aims of tort law are to provide relief to injured parties, impose liability on parties responsible for…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Property Introduction to Property Rights Concepts: Definition of Property: Property can be tangible or intangible and is recognized by the law as belonging to someone or some entity. Types of Property: Real property (land and buildings) and personal property (movable items). Possession and Ownership: The distinction between possessing…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Purpose of Legal Research: To gather legal information necessary to support legal decision-making. Purpose of Legal Writing: To communicate legal analysis clearly and effectively. Legal Research Process Understanding the Problem: Identifying the legal issues and relevant facts. Finding…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Introduction to Criminal Law – Definition and purpose of criminal law: to define unacceptable behavior and prescribe punishment to maintain societal order and protect citizens. – Sources of criminal law include the U.S. Constitution, Minnesota statutes, common law, and model codes like the Model Penal…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts I. Introduction to Contracts Definition and Purpose: A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties that creates mutual obligations. Contracts are fundamental to the functioning of society and the economy, serving as the basis for exchanges of value, such as goods, services, and…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. Introduction to Constitutional Law Constitutional law in the United States governs the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution. It defines the scope of federal government powers and delineates the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of individuals.…

Minnesota Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure Jurisdiction Subject Matter Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to a specific subject matter. – Federal Question Jurisdiction: Established under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, federal courts have jurisdiction when a case arises under the Constitution, laws,…

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts Introduction to Torts Definition: A tort is a civil breach committed against another in which the injured party can sue for damages. In tort law, the injured party is seeking to obtain a private civil remedy, typically monetary compensation. Purpose: The main purposes of tort law are…

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Property I. Introduction to Property Rights Concept of Property: Understanding the concept of property involves recognizing the rights that individuals or entities have with respect to things. This includes the right to transfer property, the right to exclude others, the right to use, and the right to destroy.…

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Principles of Criminal Liability A. Actus Reus (The Physical Act) Definition: A voluntary physical act (or unlawful omission) that causes social harm. B. Mens Rea (The Mental State) Definition: The state of mind that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Specific Intent: Intent…

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts I. Formation of Contracts A. Offer – An offer is a manifestation of willingness to enter into a bargain, made in such a way that another person understands their assent to the bargain is invited and will conclude it. (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 24) – Not…