Category: Law School Outlines

I. INTRODUCTION TO CONTRACT LAW 1. Definition of a Contract A contract is a voluntary arrangement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law as a binding legal agreement. It involves the exchange of promises, where one party promises to do something in return for a promise from the other party to do…

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW A. SUPREMACY CLAUSE The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, establishes the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and U.S. treaties as “the supreme law of the land.” It implies that state laws that conflict with federal laws are invalid. Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). The state of…

I. Overview of Civil Procedure Civil Procedure is the body of law that governs the process and procedures that courts follow when handling civil lawsuits. It is essential for 1L students to have a thorough understanding of the rules and principles that make up civil procedure, as these are the foundation of litigation and dispute…

I. INTRODUCTION TO TORT LAW Torts law in South Dakota involves civil wrongs that result in personal injury or harm and is based on the principle that people are liable for the consequences of their conduct. It sets forth legal standards for determining whether a particular action or inaction constitutes a tort. Key Concepts: –…

I. Introduction to Property Law Property law revolves around the rights and obligations that individuals and entities have over land, objects, and intellectual properties. It involves rules and policies regarding ownership and tenancy in real property (land), personal property (chattels), and intellectual property (trademarks, copyright, etc.). Key Cases: Pierson v. Post (Hunting of a fox…

Legal Research Legal research is the process of identifying and retrieving information that is necessary to support legal decision-making. It involves the identification of legal resources, such as statutes, case law, and secondary sources, and the evaluation of these resources in the context of a legal problem. Primary Sources: These are authoritative statements of the…

Title: South Dakota Law School 1L Study Guide for Criminal Law I. Introduction to Criminal Law Criminal law revolves around the system of legal rules that define what conduct is classified as a crime and how the government may prosecute individuals who commit these crimes. II. Elements of a Crime A crime generally consists of…

South Dakota Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts Offer and Acceptance Offer and acceptance form the basis of a contract. In order for a contract to be formed, there must be a clear offer and an unqualified acceptance of that offer. Case: Lucy v. Zehmer (1954). This case illustrates the objective theory of contracts…

I. Introduction to Constitutional Law Constitutional law deals with the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and provides certain rights to the citizens. Key Concepts: a. Judicial Review: This is the ability of the Supreme…

Study Guide for Civil Procedure in South Dakota Law School Personal Jurisdiction Personal jurisdiction refers to the power of a court to make a decision that binds the parties involved. Case: International Shoe Co. v. Washington (1945) Facts: International Shoe Co., a Delaware corporation, had salesmen in Washington State but no offices. Washington sued for…

I. INTRODUCTION TO TORT LAW Torts are civil wrongs that cause someone to suffer loss or harm. The law of torts aims to compensate victims for their losses. In South Carolina, tort law is primarily made up of doctrines that emerge from state court decisions, as well as state statutes. II. INTENTIONAL TORTS Intentional torts…

I. PROPERTY LAW: AN OVERVIEW Property law can be described as the area of law that governs the different forms of ownership and tenancy in real estate (land as distinct from personal or movable possessions) and in personal property. Here, you will get an overview of the key concepts, principles, cases, and laws in South…

I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing Legal research and writing is a critical foundation for any legal education. It involves understanding how to find and interpret legal authorities, and how to clearly communicate and argue legal points. This study guide will cover a variety of concepts, including the structure of the U.S. legal system,…

I. INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW A. Definition: Criminal Law concerns itself with the punishment of offences committed against the state. B. Purpose: Deterrence, Rehabilitation, Retribution, Incapacitation, and Restoration. II. ACTUS REUS A. Definition: Actus Reus describes the physical act or omission involved in a crime. B. Elements: 1) Voluntary Act 2) Causation 3) Social Harm…

SOUTH CAROLINA LAW SCHOOL 1L STUDY GUIDE FOR CONTRACTS I. Fundamental Concepts in Contract Law Offer and Acceptance Offer: A promise to do or refrain from doing something conditioned upon another party’s acceptance. Acceptance: Reflects an offeree’s assent to the terms of the offer. It must mirror the offer exactly to create a contract. Case:…

I. Overview of Constitutional Law Constitutional law is the area of law that interprets and applies the Constitution, including the definitions of the roles and powers of the three branches of the government (the executive, legislature, and judiciary), and the rights of the citizens. The Constitution of the United States The Constitution is the supreme…

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. These rules govern how a lawsuit or case may be commenced, what kind of service of process is required, the types of pleadings or statements of case, motions or…

I. Introduction Torts law is a vast legal field that involves civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act. In this study guide, we will review key concepts, case laws, and applicable laws in Rhode Island. II. Intentional Torts A. Battery Battery is an…

Study Guide: Rhode Island Law School 1L – Property I. Introduction to Property Law The first essential concept in property law is understanding the distinction between real property (land and anything permanently attached to it) and personal property (any property that is not real property). II. Ownership and Possession In property law, it is critical…

Rhode Island Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing This course introduces students to legal research and writing, equipping them with the skills to identify legal issues, research relevant laws, and communicate their findings effectively. This includes both primary and secondary sources of law, statute…