Is it dumb to.. Forum
-
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:31 pm
Is it dumb to..
Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
- PhantaManta
- Posts: 276
- Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:45 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
Reading cases is the fun part of law school (at least, on the academic side).
-
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:20 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
you can't be serious.RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
-
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:31 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
I am being serious. I mean, does everyone do it and I am just being naive, or is it really just a dumb idea.wpc1532 wrote:you can't be serious.RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
- A'nold
- Posts: 3617
- Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:07 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
Both, but reading cases is extremely interesting and the best part of law school. I was always disappointed when the class talked about cases I had not read. It's like you're missing out on some inside joke.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 2431
- Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 9:51 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
naw dog reading cases f that
-
- Posts: 947
- Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 4:57 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
A'nold wrote:Both, but reading cases is extremely interesting and the best part of law school. I was always disappointed when the class talked about cases I had not read. It's like you're missing out on some inside joke.
Quotes like this make me think that I'll fit in really well in law school and that I'm making the right decision by planning to leave my job in a year.PhantaManta wrote:Reading cases is the fun part of law school (at least, on the academic side).
Then I remember that I can read all the cases I want right now and be happy as a clam without spending $60k/year.
But ultimately I remember that I love softball. Law school it is!
- goosey
- Posts: 1543
- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 11:48 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
i too enjoy reading cases and I would imagine not reading them will pose a disadvantage--today I read a few cases on whether or not certain criminal statutes were constitutional because of their supposed vagueness and I was blown away by some of the holes the supreme court poked into the statutes. I never would have thought of any of that, but I feel like reading cases and seeing that kind of stuff helps you develop your own nit picking skills, if that makes any sense.
I think the facts of the case alone are not very important at all--whats important is a) seeing how that case fits into what youre learning about in class and b) seeing how rules are applied to those facts and the logical building blocks behind certain holdings.
I think the facts of the case alone are not very important at all--whats important is a) seeing how that case fits into what youre learning about in class and b) seeing how rules are applied to those facts and the logical building blocks behind certain holdings.
- TTH
- Posts: 10471
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 1:14 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
Flame.
I do enjoy reading cases when the fact patterns are interesting
I do enjoy reading cases when the fact patterns are interesting
- zeth006
- Posts: 1167
- Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 2:54 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
OP, I understand where you're coming from when it's 11pm at night and you have one case left to read before going to bed.
So my answer: Read all the cases FIRST. Assuming you’re a 1L nub like I am, extract all the nitty gritty details you’d find in a usual case for the first couple of weeks like relevant facts, issues, rationale, etc. Read the case briefs AFTER. In a couple of days, I'm going to start tweaking around with the LEEWS briefing method using my assigned cases and see whether I can save time and extract all the important stuff. I think you should do the same too.
Speaking of which, I guess it’s no longer nerdy for me to admit that I find my cases interesting. However, what I DON’T find interesting is the theoretical material my K prof assigns us. I’m more of a concrete guy, but I still read it all knowing it’s giving me a foundation for understanding why some judges seem to favor one theory over another when it comes time to award damages for breach of contract.
So my answer: Read all the cases FIRST. Assuming you’re a 1L nub like I am, extract all the nitty gritty details you’d find in a usual case for the first couple of weeks like relevant facts, issues, rationale, etc. Read the case briefs AFTER. In a couple of days, I'm going to start tweaking around with the LEEWS briefing method using my assigned cases and see whether I can save time and extract all the important stuff. I think you should do the same too.
Speaking of which, I guess it’s no longer nerdy for me to admit that I find my cases interesting. However, what I DON’T find interesting is the theoretical material my K prof assigns us. I’m more of a concrete guy, but I still read it all knowing it’s giving me a foundation for understanding why some judges seem to favor one theory over another when it comes time to award damages for breach of contract.
Last edited by zeth006 on Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- A'nold
- Posts: 3617
- Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:07 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
No offense, but I love hearing 1L's talk during the first couple weeks of school.
- zeth006
- Posts: 1167
- Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 2:54 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
A'nold wrote:No offense, but I love hearing 1L's talk during the first couple weeks of school.
Are you talking about me?
-
- Posts: 964
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:40 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
You're spending how much to just wing it?RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- 2ofspades
- Posts: 241
- Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 8:42 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
Yes, that's a fantastic idea - that's exactly what everyone does, and you should do it too.RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
0Ls reading, any of you who end up in the same section as me next year should heed this advice.
- ChattelCat
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:59 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
Just my two cents, but yes, it is dumb not to learn to read cases quickly and efficiently because this is a necessary skill you will need in practice (I spent the majority of my time at my firm this past summer reading cases, but trust me, after a few years you get much faster). It will definitely be painful and seem like a waste of time at first - I definitely remember thinking this 1L year - but worth it in the long run!RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
- Fresh
- Posts: 681
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 4:30 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
your tar disgusts meTTH wrote:Flame.
I do enjoy reading cases when the fact patterns are interesting
- skoobily doobily
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:40 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
OP: reading the cases I would say adds value by providing context to the laws that you're learning. Knowing them may not be beneficial on exam day but it will help you synthesize the reasoning surrounding the precedents set more clearly, so indirectly it is more beneficial on exam day. Lots of advice on this site recommends not wasting time tediously briefing the cases, but none of the advice on this site recommends not reading them.
Plus, reading the cases is kinda fun, the way working out is kinda fun. It's the feeling of working your cerebral muscles that is rewarding.
Plus, reading the cases is kinda fun, the way working out is kinda fun. It's the feeling of working your cerebral muscles that is rewarding.
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
- NayBoer
- Posts: 1013
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:24 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
Maybe you should wait until week 2 before you decide to cut corners.
- DeSimone
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2010 4:49 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
This. At least you should learn how to brief cases first before you decide to ditch it.NayBoer wrote:Maybe you should wait until week 2 before you decide to cut corners.
- TTH
- Posts: 10471
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 1:14 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
Well, there's no accounting for taste.Fresh wrote:your tar disgusts meTTH wrote:Flame.
I do enjoy reading cases when the fact patterns are interesting
- savagedm
- Posts: 392
- Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:51 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
I enjoyed Hamdi v Rumsfeld pretty thoroughly for Civ Pro.... though not sure I got the details ironed out enough to survive my prof today >< (she's a ballbuster for detail)
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- TTH
- Posts: 10471
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 1:14 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
Checked out Glannon's Torts E&E today for the first time. Lives up to the hype. Very happy with it.
- danquayle
- Posts: 1110
- Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 2:12 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
I can't believe everyone's acidic reaction. I always read the online briefs first. OP, the trouble you'd run into is whether or not the professor would ask for specific details. The briefs, rightfully so, focus more on the general themes and concepts of the case. Which is actually why it can be useful. However, if you professor asks you a specifically detail you might only get from reading the facts, you might be unable to answer.RP1983 wrote:I am being serious. I mean, does everyone do it and I am just being naive, or is it really just a dumb idea.wpc1532 wrote:you can't be serious.RP1983 wrote:Is it dumb to just read online briefs for cases I am assigned instead of reading each one. It is a pain in the ass really to read each and every case. I wanted to know if this was a good idea and I could still do well by doing this. Ie, top 10%. Did anyoone just do this.
And honestly, most case books abridge cases anyways. So you might end up reading a different presentation of the facts.
But no, I more often than not relied on case brief from West Law or even Wikipedia other than the books itself. I used the book more as a supplement for when I couldn't 1) understand a complex question or 2) wanted to answer a knowledge gap in the statement of facts.
- danquayle
- Posts: 1110
- Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 2:12 am
Re: Is it dumb to..
One of the big big mistakes many 0Ls make is focusing too much on the details. The facts don't matter that much. Not really. They're only useful for grasping the underlying concepts. If you can go right to concept... why not.skoobily doobily wrote:OP: reading the cases I would say adds value by providing context to the laws that you're learning. Knowing them may not be beneficial on exam day but it will help you synthesize the reasoning surrounding the precedents set more clearly, so indirectly it is more beneficial on exam day. Lots of advice on this site recommends not wasting time tediously briefing the cases, but none of the advice on this site recommends not reading them.
Plus, reading the cases is kinda fun, the way working out is kinda fun. It's the feeling of working your cerebral muscles that is rewarding.
-
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:23 pm
Re: Is it dumb to..
I actually did rely very heavily on online case briefs; instead of reading the casebook, I preferred to spend (a lot of) time reading hornbooks/supplements (i.e., something like this author suggests: http://www.top-law-schools.com/success- ... chool.html). Top 5% @ T20.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login