Fastest time to learn Criminal Procedure? Forum

[Manali]

Final is on 12/17 at 9 AM. Exam is MC, short answer, and an issue-spotter/policy essay (choice of either). Exam is 3 hours but I got 4.5 because of a documented disability.

Still outlining shit from September. Feel SO behind the curve. Missed a couple of classes. Played on the internet in class. Skipped a couple of readings. Have three solid outlines from former students. Also have class notes from a girl on Law Review. In addition, I have been using CALI, Glannon, Siegel's and Q&A.

Should I be in good shape if I grind out for the next week? Or will my laziness for 90% of the semester screw me over?

[BigZuck]

I (mostly) went to class, did practice exams, actually kind of enjoyed the subject/class/professor, and was more confident on that exam going into it and after than I was for any class I've taken in law school and I copped a below median grade. So, basically, you're going to fail.

(No one can answer your question really, just keep grinding)

[psu2016]

This is probably not the fastest, I studied for crim pro mostly by watching SVU and pausing it basically every time Stabler did something to review my outline to figure out what the D's arguments would be to get the confession thrown out/how D would argue the arrest lacked probable cause, etc. I wrote out the answers in this fashion, using the cases from class/facts from the episode. It was really helpful and painless, and there are so many seasons involving different issues (for example, when Stabler's son gives him the evidence), that you have a ton to play with.

I also taught myself manslaughter/degrees of murder by watching a compilation of Kenny's deaths in south park and figuring out whether there malice, recklessness, etc.

[NoDayButToday]

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[Manali]

Just want to chime in re: documented disability. You know what works best for you and you haven't said what your specific disability is, but a tip for future semesters if it happens to be dyslexia (which I also have) or another processing disability that involves reading.

I figured out early in school and in law school that reading doesn't work for me. In law school, I read only when I leave class and truly don't understand the material -- but even then, I try to resolve my concerns in office hours or group discussion with classmates. This requires an enormous and early commitment to attend and engage with every class. I do not bring my computer unless the professor says we need it - I handwrite all of my notes carefully (most of which will never be read again, it's just the process of writing them down). I find my computer too distracting when listening is key to my success.

Most people either look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that I haven't done the reading all semester, but it's just how I've adapted to my poor reading abilities. So I'm not saying in the future don't bother with the reading - but I'm saying find what works for you and if it's a reading issue, consider that attending every class and paying careful attention might be your answer.

In crim pro, I found Law-in-a-flash and the E&E helpful. I started studying for the exam three days before the test. I didn't outline, I didn't do any of the reading all semester. I attended every class, went to office hours, chatted with a study group, and three days before the exam I picked up the cards to practice with and read two or three chapters in the E&E that addressed areas that I didn't feel comfortable with. Three hour exam; finished in two (I don't take the extra time -- no judgment for those who do; for myself I've always rationalized "I made it this far" / "law firms don't have extra time"). A-.

Thanks, this gives me hope. Congrats on conquering your disability.