Category: Law School Outlines

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. The Constitution Structure and Principles: Understand the three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial), separation of powers, federalism, and the system of checks and balances. Constitutional Interpretation: Study the different methods of constitutional interpretation, including textualism, originalism, structuralism, and the living constitution approach. The Amendment…

Michigan Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure I. Introduction to Civil Procedure Civil Procedure refers to the process and rules by which civil matters are adjudicated in court. It includes everything from the initial filing of a lawsuit to the final resolution, whether by trial or alternative dispute resolution. Understanding the rules and…

Massachusetts Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts I. Introduction to Torts Torts is a body of law that addresses and provides remedies for civil wrongs not arising out of contractual obligations. A person who suffers a tortious injury may be entitled to receive compensation for damage. A. Definition of Tort A tort is a…

Massachusetts Law School 1L Study Guide for Property I. Introduction to Property Rights Property law is concerned with the rules and principles governing the ownership and use of land and personal items. The concept of property encompasses real property (land and things permanently attached to land like buildings) and personal property (moveable items). II. Possession…

Massachusetts Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Overview of Criminal Law in Massachusetts Criminal law deals with behaviors that are sanctioned under the criminal code and other penal statutes. It involves the prohibition of certain actions deemed harmful to individuals and society, prescribing penalties for the commission of such acts. In Massachusetts,…

Massachusetts 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 elements of a contract include offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and legality. B. The Objective Theory of Contracts Under the objective…

Massachusetts Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law I. Introduction to Constitutional Law The Role of the Constitution: It is the supreme law of the United States, laying out the national frame of government and fundamental principles and rights. Federalism: The relationship between state governments and the federal government. Key concepts include the Supremacy…

Massachusetts Law School 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure I. Introduction to Civil Procedure Civil Procedure concerns the rules and standards courts follow to adjudicate civil cases. It includes the processes for the resolution of disputes from the pre-litigation phase through trial and potential appeals. II. Jurisdiction and Venue A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction Refers to…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts I. Introduction to Torts Definition: A tort is a civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which the law provides a remedy. Purpose: The purpose of tort law is to compensate victims for harm caused by others, to deter unsafe behavior, and to vindicate rights. II.…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Property Property law is a fundamental area of law that deals with the relationships between individuals and the legal rules that govern the ownership and possession of land and personal property. In this study guide, we will cover key concepts, cases, and Maryland-specific laws relevant to a 1L…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Legal research and writing are fundamental skills for any law student and practicing attorney. These skills involve finding and analyzing legal authorities, such as statutes, regulations, case law, and secondary sources. Effective legal writing is clear, concise,…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Sources of Criminal Law A. Constitutional Provisions: – Understand key amendments: Fourth (search and seizure), Fifth (self-incrimination, double jeopardy), Sixth (right to a speedy trial, confrontation of witnesses), Eighth (cruel and unusual punishment), and Fourteenth (due process and equal protection) – Maryland Declaration of Rights,…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts Contracts are promises that the law will enforce. The study of contracts is the study of legally enforceable promises. In the United States, contract law is primarily common law, with the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) governing the sale of goods. I. Formation of Contracts Offer and Acceptance…

Maryland Law School 1L Study Guide for Constitutional Law Table of Contents Introduction to the U.S. Constitution The Supremacy Clause Judicial Review Separation of Powers Federalism Congressional Powers Executive Power Individual Rights The Fourteenth Amendment and Equal Protection The First Amendment Freedoms 1. Introduction to the U.S. Constitution The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law…

Maryland 1L Study Guide for Civil Procedure 1. Introduction to Civil Procedure – Civil Procedure governs the process and rules by which civil matters are litigated. – Includes jurisdiction, pleading, discovery, pretrial motions, trial process, and appeals. 2. Subject Matter Jurisdiction (SMJ) – Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. – Diversity Jurisdiction: Exists when…

Maine Law School 1L Study Guide for Torts I. Introduction to Torts A. Definition – A tort is a civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which the law provides a remedy. B. Purpose of Tort Law – To provide relief to injured parties for harms caused by others. – To impose liability on…

Maine Law School 1L Study Guide for Property I. Introduction to Property Law A. Definition and Types of Property 1. Real Property: land and anything attached to it, such as buildings. 2. Personal Property: all other types of property, including tangible and intangible items. B. Legal vs. Equitable Title – Legal title: the recognized ownership…

Maine Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Legal research and writing are foundational skills for law students and practicing attorneys. In Maine, as in other jurisdictions, the ability to find and apply legal authorities effectively is critical to legal practice. Legal research involves identifying and…

Maine Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Introduction to Criminal Law A. Purpose of Criminal Law Deterrence: Prevent future crimes by making the consequences of breaking the law undesirable. Retribution: Punishing wrongdoing as a means of societal revenge. Incapacitation: Removing criminals from society to prevent them from continuing to harm others. Rehabilitation:…

Maine Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts Contracts is a fundamental course in law school that examines the creation, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of agreements between parties. In this study guide, we will cover the key concepts relevant to contract law, with attention to both general U.S. principles and specific nuances under Maine law.…