CA Attorney Exam - why learn other state rules? Forum

[hatcrime]

I'm studying for the CA bar attorney exam using "Essay Exam Writing for the California Bar Exam" and Barbri books. Both outlines discuss "majority" and "minority" rules and usually fail to state what the CA rule is. I find myself looking up the relevant law for CA online -- for example, what is the statutory period for adverse possession? When can you get a deficiency judgment in a foreclosure?

Am I missing something? Is there any point to learning the law in other states here?

Also when I took the NY exam in 2011 the CMR had a "NY Distinctions" section -- I can't seem to find that in these 2017 books.

I don't have much time to study (work/family obligations), and this is pretty distracting.

Thanks for any advice.

[Cop2lawyerNYC]

NY is now UBE, with the NY distinctions being tested separately using a 50 question online exam.
In regard to majority/minority distinctions, I don't know why the prep companies stress them. They are such a waste of time; I studied them but I didn't use any of it--there's no time to go off and compare minority/majority or argue both sides.

[hatcrime]

Thanks. That makes sense that they would remove the "Distinctions" from the NY CMR since it is UBE. Doesn't make much sense to remove it from a non-UBE CMR!

I get learning multiple rules for the MBE -- but not for a state exam. I assume they will want me to know the CA rule only. Which I have to Google, since it is not in these books!

[Bingo_Bongo]

Examples and Explanations have some good books that specifically discuss California rules. I think you only need the CA rules for the essays, though, and nine times out of ten the California rules aren't any different than the rules for the MBE.

[mimim8]

I'm studying for the CA bar attorney exam using "Essay Exam Writing for the California Bar Exam" and Barbri books. Both outlines discuss "majority" and "minority" rules and usually fail to state what the CA rule is. I find myself looking up the relevant law for CA online -- for example, what is the statutory period for adverse possession? When can you get a deficiency judgment in a foreclosure?

Am I missing something? Is there any point to learning the law in other states here?

Also when I took the NY exam in 2011 the CMR had a "NY Distinctions" section -- I can't seem to find that in these 2017 books.

I don't have much time to study (work/family obligations), and this is pretty distracting.

Thanks for any advice.

You don’t answer CA law unless specifically told to do so. Otherwise, it’s MBE. For instance, you mention adverse possession as an example- they don’t test CA real property. Only MBE real property.

[hatcrime]

You don’t answer CA law unless specifically told to do so. Otherwise, it’s MBE. For instance, you mention adverse possession as an example- they don’t test CA real property. Only MBE real property.

Oh interesting, I had no idea. You'd think they would mention that on the CBX website... Seems counterintuitive (and artificial) although I can see why that would be a relief for MBE takers.

It would be reassuring to me if you recall your source for that.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!