Question: How should I incorporate Basic Study Aids, Commercial Outlines, and Sample Questions into my studying for finals?
Answer: While you may have relied primarily on Basic Study Aids over the course of the term, time constraints and the necessity of more holistic study approaches requires a shift to Commercial Outlines as your "base". Review the Outline to ensure you're familiar with all the material and refer back to the Basic of your choice for clarification where you're shaky - a good test is whether you can identify and explain the case brought up in class that explained the concept. Once you're comfortable, test yourself with as many Sample Questions as possible, preferably in conditions as close to actual testing (timed, isolated, etc.) as you can replicate.
Question: I need practice questions, where should I start?
Answer: Some options are:
Question: I just want the black letter law, where should I start?
Answer: The most concise and direct answers will come from Commercial Outlines like Black Letter or Emanuel, though keep in mind they are intended to be just that - outlines - and don't claim to offer thorough explanations.
Question: I am totally lost on a topic covered in my casebook, where can I get a better explanation?
Answer: Definitely check out one of the basic study guides. If you're completely lost as opposed to just trying to refine your comprehension, you might want to check out one of the simpler and shorter study aids, like Nutshells or Mastering. We are particularly fond of the Short and Happy series for this purpose, as it contains the simplest explanations possible and leans heavily on tools like mnemonic devices.
Question: How can I access these materials consistently?
Answer: Everything mentioned in this guide is available either through one of the two databases mentioned on the "Resources in Study Aid Libraries" page (see that page for instructions) or in print at the Reserve collection at the Law Library Circulation Desk. Those print materials circulate for a three-hour term, to ensure their availability. Occasionally, older editions of a study aid will be moved to the Main Collection on the Third Floor and will circulated for a 30-day term. Please check the Online Catalog to see if a given study aid has an older edition available for general circulation.
This section of the guide will answer some of the more frequent questions that we receive regarding study guides.
Do you have another question about study guides that we have not answered? Ask us at reference@law.capital.edu!
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Capital University Law Library, 303 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, 614-236-6464
Information found on these pages does not constitute legal advice. Use of these guides does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Capital University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and attorneys looking for reference assistance with legal materials may contact the reference department at reference@law.capital.edu. or call 614-236-6466 during normal reference hours.
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