What cases should 0L's start reading in preparation? Forum

[fonzerelli]

There's a lack of actual legal case-talk in these threads. For those who want to get a leg-up (Gunners-In-Training) in preparation for our 1L, which cases do you suggest we start reading before the Fall?

Or, are there any great "system of law" reads out there which would benefit a GIT? (see above)

[tram988]

Lol are you seriously going to start reading cases before class starts? Have fun with that.

[Pankun]

Most 0L gunners are reading the E&E commercial outlines. I myself am studying for the bar

[Jay-Electronica]

24 case of bud light

[tram988]

Most 0L gunners are reading the E&E commercial outlines. I myself am studying for the bar

I may read some E&E outlines at MOST. I won't be going crazy.

[98234872348]

There's a lack of actual legal case-talk in these threads. For those who want to get a leg-up (Gunners-In-Training) in preparation for our 1L, which cases do you suggest we start reading before the Fall?

Or, are there any great "system of law" reads out there which would benefit a GIT? (see above)

This is a joke, right?

The cases you read are determined by your casebook and professor; in addition, some case books focus on certain aspects of opinions while others focus on different topics discussed in the same opinion.

If you want to do 0L prep I recommend getting a copy of Getting to Maybe, and POSSIBLY reading the E&Es, although, it doesn't really help that much. And I wouldn't recommend reading the latter to really 'learn' anything per say, but maybe to get a leg up on the kind of language and topics discussed in your courses...

But don't read cases, save yourself the time and effort.

[kimber1028]

I can't recall ever actually wanting to read cases as a 0L, but I definitely wanted to prep. I ended up being too busy the summer before 1L to worry about it, and I'm glad. After going through my first semester, I personally don't think I would have benefited at all from substantive prep prior to law school. In fact, I think it would have had negative effects, since 0L prep can't take into account any stylistic differences between professors. Just relax and clear your head before school starts. If you are interested in reading some material, check out Law School Confidential and Getting To Maybe - both books helped me.

If you're still curious, read this thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =3&t=26949. It's also stickied at the top of the Law School Students' Forum for easy access. The thread itself or one of its links should answer your questions.

[traehekat]

There is no point in trying to get ahead by reading cases before law school. Like others have said, if you are trying to get a jump on everyone else, skim the E&E's and possibly read Getting to Maybe.

HOWEVER, if you are like me and just enjoy the law/landmark cases, I suggest picking up May It Please the Court by Peter Irons.

http://www.amazon.com/May-Please-Court- ... 565&sr=8-1

My business law professor suggested this book to me a couple years ago so I went ahead and picked it up. It includes the actual transcripts of the courtroom arguments, so you actually get to read how the cases were argued before the Supreme Court by both parties. The transcripts include a narrator as well to help explain everything. This is an easy read and if you want to just familiarize yourself with landmark cases, this is a good way to do it.

Will you need to know any of this for any of your classes? Probably not. But I just think as a member of the legal profession, you probably SHOULD be acquainted with some of the cases that have helped to shape our legal system.

[Renzo]

You have lost your goddamn mind. I'm a 1.5L, and I don't read the cases.

[RVP11]

Some 0L has finally discovered something even dumber than reading the E&Es.

[vanwinkle]

Some 0L has finally discovered something even dumber than reading the E&Es.

Haha, +1.

[kalvano]

I highly recommend that, for prep as 0L, you do the following -

1) Buy a case of Guinness.
2) Buy copies of The Wall and Dark Side Of The Moon.
3) Buy the complete Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson or the complete Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly (or both, since they both kick large amounts of ass).
4) Consume beer while enjoying great books and music, since you won't have any damn time for anything once classes start.

[thecilent]

Although I understand where you're coming from OP -- you're just trying to get ahead -- I think reading the cases wouldn't help that much. I'm buying the E&Es and hornbooks to read as an 0L, and people think that's pretty insane..

[vanwinkle]

I highly recommend that, for prep as 0L, you do the following -

1) Buy a case of Guinness.
2) Buy copies of The Wall and Dark Side Of The Moon.
3) Buy the complete Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson or the complete Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly (or both, since they both kick large amounts of ass).
4) Consume beer while enjoying great books and music, since you won't have any damn time for anything once classes start.

TITCR.

[awesomepossum]

This has been said...repeatedly.....but 'Getting to Maybe' is the awesomest 0L book.

[Thirteen]

Most 0L gunners are reading the E&E commercial outlines. I myself am studying for the bar

I plan to read the E&E's this summer. If you're starting 0L prep in January, I salute you.

[awesomepossum]

just fyi, E&E's aren't outlines.

[vanwinkle]

just fyi, E&E's aren't outlines.

It's hilarious how much 0Ls don't know, and yet they still think they can find a way to "get ahead".

[Thirteen]

just fyi, E&E's aren't outlines.

I just quoted him, but should have noticed that. My bad, it's already late as hell.

[legends159]

Reading now to get ahead is like trying to get a leg up in a scavenger's hunt without the list of items to find.

[traehekat]

Reading now to get ahead is like trying to get a leg up in a scavenger's hunt without the list of items to find.

+1,000

[MURPH]

There is no point in trying to get ahead by reading cases before law school. Like others have said, if you are trying to get a jump on everyone else, skim the E&E's and possibly read Getting to Maybe.

HOWEVER, if you are like me and just enjoy the law/landmark cases, I suggest picking up May It Please the Court by Peter Irons.

http://www.amazon.com/May-Please-Court- ... 565&sr=8-1

My business law professor suggested this book to me a couple years ago so I went ahead and picked it up. It includes the actual transcripts of the courtroom arguments, so you actually get to read how the cases were argued before the Supreme Court by both parties. The transcripts include a narrator as well to help explain everything. This is an easy read and if you want to just familiarize yourself with landmark cases, this is a good way to do it.

Will you need to know any of this for any of your classes? Probably not. But I just think as a member of the legal profession, you probably SHOULD be acquainted with some of the cases that have helped to shape our legal system.

There is also his Teaching Company lectures. Don't pay the full price for them but if you can find a used or sale copy then buy them. --LinkRemoved--
(BTW I am a 0L and have no idea if these will help you do anything more than pass the time but they are good on their own.)

[Rand M.]

Reading now to get ahead is like trying to get a leg up in a scavenger's hunt without the list of items to find.

Very nice analogy.

[Oban]

reading cases is a way to get behind! If you notice from a lot of the top "how to succeed in law school" guides around here. Most say dont read/brief ANY cases.

[RVP11]

Most say dont read/brief ANY cases.

This would have spelled disaster for you in 3/4 of my classes.

If anything, I'll pay slightly MORE attention to cases in my second semester. Never discount the possibility of a professor throwing an exam question that requires your knowledge of case facts or has very similar issues to a case you've seen..