new 1L with a probably simple question Forum

[lawschoolgiant]

In Torts, what role does RST take compared to courts who rule differently?

What I really want to know.
1) Are these views more, less or equally important to cases that rule differently?
2) Does that question depend on the prof?

[Bankhead]

The Restatement is not binding (on any court). It is (merely) persuasive authority.

The weight you will give to the RST on exams is dependent on the prof.

[20160810]

Where the RST approach and the CL majority approach differ, it's usually best to address the difference on tests and talk a little about how it would go down differently either way. This is also a great time to spit back some policy BS if your prof prefers one approach or the other.

[StudentAthlete]

The Restatement is not binding (on any court). It is (merely) persuasive authority.

The weight you will give to the RST on exams is dependent on the prof.

[chicagolaw2013]

On restatements, does anyone suggest buying those as supplements, or will professors that care about the restatement make it a required book for your class?

[helfer snooterbagon]

You can get the restatements through Westlaw.

[chicagolaw2013]

You can get the restatements through Westlaw.

Oh cool, thanks.

[StudentAthlete]

On restatements, does anyone suggest buying those as supplements, or will professors that care about the restatement make it a required book for your class?

Truthfully I don't think buying a Restatement is necessary. The only really relevant sections you need are the ones that appear in the cases and subsequent notes (In the casebooks obviously).

[lawgod]

simple question? I didn't even know what an RST is. Now I know it is a restatement but I don't know what a restatement is.

Really, I assume I'll figure out what I need to know when I need to know it.
I'm on a need to know basis.

[rayiner]

This seems like a good place to put this, so you new 1Ls can see.

The Golden Rule of Law School:

Nothing will be tested that isn't either in: (a) the casebook; (b) the class notes; (c) any assigned articles, etc.

Even as you go from (a) to (b) to (c) the probability of something being tested approaches zero.

So, no, don't buy the restatements. Anything you need to know from them will be excerpted in the casebook. This is a general rule. The less you read, the more time you can spend on what you do read, and the better you will do on exams.

[Bankhead]

Please do not worry about the Restatements now.