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Long time lurker, first time poster. I have searched and read numerous threads regarding supplements for each course and I was hoping someone would be willing to critique the supplements that I am considering purchasing for 1L.

* Contracts -> Chirelstein's Concepts and Case Analysis in the Law of Contracts and Examples and Explanations for Contracts

* Criminal Law -> Dressler Understanding Criminal Law or Delaney's Criminal Law Applied and Dressler's Crim Law Black Letter Outline

* Torts -> Examples and Explanations

* Exam Taking -> Getting to Maybe and I currently own Planet Law School

* I was also considering getting the Restatement of Contracts and the Restatement of Torts.

Is this a good class supplement list? Are they any additions or changes that should be made?

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I am just a lowly 0L trying to kick 1L's ass.

Thanks in Advance

Usually, someone will ask this question when the professor does the intro class. Some professors will encourage particular supplements and others will not comment (in which case I would go with the supplements you listed). Really though, the best thing to do is just get really elaborate and detailed outlines from people who took your classes with your professors. Class scripts are even better. If there is a concept that you are having trouble with, which you cannot understand through reading a good outline, then go to office hours. Really, I only found Glannon's for Civ Pro as a useful supplement learning wise, and just used E&E's and other supplements for practice problems.

barestin wrote:Usually, someone will ask this question when the professor does the intro class. Some professors will encourage particular supplements and others will not comment (in which case I would go with the supplements you listed). Really though, the best thing to do is just get really elaborate and detailed outlines from people who took your classes with your professors. Class scripts are even better. If there is a concept that you are having trouble with, which you cannot understand through reading a good outline, then go to office hours. Really, I only found Glannon's for Civ Pro as a useful supplement learning wise, and just used E&E's and other supplements for practice problems.

+1. Acing Civil Procedure is also good for a checklist approach. But really to echo barestin, just wait until class starts and see if the prof recommends anything. Also, don't buy the Restatements. Many casebooks include the various sections of the Restatement that are relevant to the class, and you can usually find them online as well.

Thanks a lot for the responses, it is much appreciated.

Just a quick question - What are class scripts? I have never heard of them.

I wouldn't spend a single dollar on supplements until you get to LS and either (a) the professor has recommended supplements or (b) former students with that professor have recommended supplements.

You may have a professor that barely explains the material at all, necessitating detailed substantive outlines, like the Dressler ones you listed, or you may have a professor that is strong at explaining black-letter law and so will ask detailed and complex hypotheticals on the exam, necessitating books like the E&E.

Also, randomly, the Torts restatement is pretty worthless. I would get Prosser & Keeton if you're really intent on a formal legal tome like that. The Contracts restatement is very useful, though.

Swap out the torts E and E for Forms and Functions of tort law. Also, drop Planet Law School and replace it with LEEWS. PLS is basically an ad for LEEWS. I read a little bit of getting to maybe; I thought LEEWS was more hopeful in understanding how to take the exam overall. Getting to Maybe was a nice way to supplement LEEWS and add a few extra things to get you to an A+. (Note: I didn't follow LEEWS completely. I didn't waste time with "the blender." Make adjustments as needed).

swimmer11 wrote:Thanks a lot for the responses, it is much appreciated.

Just a quick question - What are class scripts? I have never heard of them.

Scripts are pretty much just like outlines, except someone took the time to type down every word the professor said the whole semester. It helps to follow along in class without needing to freak out about missing a point the professor made while you were checking gmail or shopping for shoes.

Once again, thanks for all the responses!

Is it possible to figure out what a professor is going to emphasize by looking at the syllabus? Or is it best to ask former students who had him as a professor? Furthermore, is it possible to determine his method of grading by looking at past exams and seeing what his model answers were?

Sorry for the newbish questions, I just want to be prepared as possible for the lawl school game.

Thanks!

Stop being an insufferable gunner. HTH.

As everyone else has said, you're gunning too early. You could end up messing up your own chances if you focus on the wrong thing. Every professor understands and teaches each subject differently. Since you have not even been assigned a professor yet, you have no clue what book they'd be using, and what supplements would be useful. Some professors author their own supplements, in which case obviously you want to grab that and no other.

Basically supplements are neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to doing well in law school. HTH