Wrong Way to Study Law

Law school is notoriously demanding, and the way you approach your studies can make a significant difference in your success and understanding of legal concepts. Many law professors insist on the importance of reading every assigned case and absorbing all the intricate details within them. However, this traditional approach may not be the most effective way to study law. In fact, it could be considered the wrong way to study law for several reasons.

The Length and Complexity of Cases
First, legal cases are often exceedingly long and filled with complex, clumsy sentences. Judges write these opinions primarily for the record and for other legal professionals, not with the law student in mind. As a result, the language can be convoluted and difficult to parse, requiring substantial time and effort to understand. This can be particularly frustrating and counterproductive for students who are trying to grasp the fundamental concepts of law rather than get bogged down in the minutiae of judicial reasoning.

Time Constraints
Second, law students have a multitude of responsibilities and limited time. Between attending lectures, participating in study groups, completing assignments, and preparing for exams, there is simply not enough time to meticulously read and dissect every assigned case. Law school demands efficiency and prioritisation. Spending excessive time on lengthy cases can detract from other important activities, such as outlining, engaging in practical exercises, and honing critical thinking skills.

Confusion and Conflicts
Third, many legal cases are confusing and often conflicting. The law is not always clear-cut, and judges frequently disagree on interpretations and applications of legal principles. Reading a plethora of cases can sometimes lead to more confusion rather than clarity. Students may struggle to discern the key principles and how they apply to different fact scenarios. This can result in a fragmented understanding of the law, where students are aware of numerous specific cases but cannot see the broader legal principles at play.

A Better Approach
Instead of reading every case in detail, a more effective approach is to read cases selectively and focus on case summaries. Case summaries provide concise and clear overviews of the important points of a case, including the facts, legal issues, decisions, and reasoning. They allow students to understand the essence of the case without getting lost in the intricate details. Using case summaries can save time and help students focus on understanding the key legal principles and how they are applied. This approach allows for a more efficient study process, where students can allocate their time to other critical aspects of their legal education. Additionally, summaries often highlight the most important and precedent-setting aspects of a case, which are crucial for exams and practical application.

Selective Reading
Selective reading involves focusing on the most significant cases and the most relevant sections within those cases. Professors often assign cases that illustrate key points of law or demonstrate important legal reasoning. Identifying these key cases and focusing your efforts on understanding their main points can be far more beneficial than attempting to read every word of every assigned case. By selectively reading and relying on case summaries, students can develop a stronger grasp of legal concepts and principles. This method also allows students to compare and contrast cases more effectively, understanding how different cases fit within the broader legal framework and how they might apply to hypothetical scenarios.

While traditional law school methods emphasise reading every case in detail, this approach can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Law students should instead focus on selective reading and utilise case summaries to grasp the essential elements of legal cases. This approach not only saves time but also promotes a deeper understanding of the law. Efficient study habits are crucial for success in law school, and recognising the wrong way to study is the first step toward adopting more effective methods.