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Law School

1,012 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★ - 16 ratings

The Law School of America podcast is designed for listeners who what to expand and enhance their understanding of the American legal system. It provides you with legal principles in small digestible bites to make learning easy. If you're willing to put in the time, The Law School of America podcasts can take you from novice to knowledgeable in a reasonable amount of time.
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Episodes

Administrative Law: Understanding Administrative Agencies

March 06, 2024 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Introduction to Administrative Law Definition and Importance: Begin with a straightforward definition of Administrative Law as the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. Emphasize its importance in everyday life, from the water we drink to the air we breathe, and even the workplaces we inhabit. Purpose: Explain the role of Administrative Law in regulating the powers, procedures, and actions of administrative agencies, ensuring they operate within...

Evidence Law Made Easy: Hearsay Evidence

March 05, 2024 05:51 - 6 minutes - 5.76 MB

Welcome back, bar exam studiers! Today we’re tackling a major area of evidence that commonly appears on the bar - hearsay. Hearsay Defined. So what exactly is hearsay? Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement. Breaking this definition down piece by piece is helpful: First, it has to be an out-of-court statement. This means it was made outside of the current court proceeding. For example, statements made during a deposition or...

Real Property Episode 2: Ownership and Title

March 04, 2024 06:41 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

Forms of Ownership Joint Tenancy: Describe the characteristics, including the right of survivorship, which means that when one joint tenant dies, their interest in the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant(s). Mention the four unities required for joint tenancy: unity of possession, interest, time, and title. Tenancy in Common: Explain that unlike joint tenancy, there is no right of survivorship. Each tenant in common holds an individual part, which can be sold or pas...

Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Estates Law (Introduction)

March 01, 2024 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

A. Importance of Estate Planning Control Over Asset Distribution: Estate planning empowers individuals to decide exactly how their assets will be distributed and to whom. Without a plan in place, the state's default laws of intestacy take over, which might not align with one's personal wishes. Protection for Beneficiaries: It's not just about distributing assets; it's also about protecting those who inherit from potential future problems, such as creditors or legal disputes. Minimizing Le...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Ethical Considerations in Civil Litigation and Keeping abreast of changes and advancements in civil procedure law and practice (Section Eleven)

February 29, 2024 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

Ethical considerations form the backbone of the legal profession, guiding attorneys in their conduct and decision-making throughout the civil litigation process. The ethical landscape attorneys navigate is complex, marked by both longstanding principles and evolving standards that respond to contemporary legal challenges. This discourse delves into the ethical obligations of attorneys, common ethical dilemmas faced during civil litigation, and recent developments and emerging trends in civil...

Administrative Law: Introduction to Administrative Law

February 28, 2024 06:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MB

1. Administrative Agencies and Their Functions: Administrative agencies are independent entities established by the government to carry out specific functions and implement public policies. They play a vital role in regulating various aspects of society, such as environmental protection, healthcare, consumer safety, and financial markets. Agencies exercise quasi-legislative, quasi-executive, and quasi-judicial powers, enabling them to create rules, adjudicate disputes, and enforce laws. ...

Evidence Law Made Easy: Character Evidence Defined

February 27, 2024 06:00 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MB

Character Evidence Defined First - what exactly is character evidence? Character evidence is evidence that seeks to prove a person's propensity to act in a certain way. In other words, it's evidence that's used to show someone's character traits, personality tendencies, habitual behaviors, or general disposition. Character evidence attempts to draw connections between someone's inherent qualities and how they may have acted in a specific situation. It involves reasoning that because a pers...

Real Property: Episode 1: Introduction to Real Property

February 26, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MB

Let’s start with a question: Why is Real Property law a critical component of the Bar Exam? The simple answer is that Real Property touches on many aspects of our lives - from the ownership of our homes to the zoning laws that dictate what can be built in our neighborhoods. It’s a foundational area of law that every attorney should be familiar with, whether you specialize in real estate transactions or not. Now, to lay the groundwork, let’s clarify two terms you’ve probably heard a lot: Rea...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Conclusion and Review (Section Ten)

February 23, 2024 06:00 - 9 minutes - 8.44 MB

Criminal Liability Principles: Actus reus (physical act) and mens rea (mental state) are key in criminal cases. Actus reus includes deliberate actions or omissions violating legal duties. Mens rea involves evaluating the defendant's mental state during the offense, affecting blameworthiness. Categories of Crime: Offenses against persons (assault, battery) directly harm individuals and raise critical legal issues. Property crimes (theft, burglary) violate ownership rights and involve co...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Section Ten)

February 22, 2024 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

Key Rules and Their Application in Civil Litigation. Scope and Purpose: Ensure just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action. Summons: Formal commencement of a civil action; ensures proper notification of defendants. Pleading: Concise and direct pleadings for clarity and streamlined litigation. Defenses and Objections: Early dismissal of cases lacking legal basis. Discovery: Proportionality; mandatory disclosures for transparency and efficiency. Summary Judgment: Efficien...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Review and Case Law Analysis (Podcast Session Ten)

February 21, 2024 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Key Supreme Court Decisions Marbury v Madison (1803): Established judicial review to ensure laws comply with the Constitution. Brown v Board of Education (1954): Ruled "separate but equal" public schools unconstitutional, boosting the Civil Rights Movement. Miranda v Arizona (1966): Requires law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before interrogation. Roe v Wade (1973): Upheld the right to an abortion, sparking ongoing debates about reproductive rights. Obergefell v Hodges (...

Evidence Law Made Easy: Relevance

February 20, 2024 06:00 - 10 minutes - 9.28 MB

Relevance Defined. First, what exactly is relevance? Evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make a fact that is important to the case more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. In other words, for evidence to be relevant, it has to help prove or disprove a fact that matters to the ultimate issue in the case. The key question is always - does this evidence have any bearing on making any material fact more or less likely? If the answer is yes, the evidence meets th...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - Module 9: Conclusion of the Course - Recap (Module Nine)

February 19, 2024 06:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Key Takeaways Constitutional Protections: The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments provide critical protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, self-incrimination, and ensure the right to a fair trial. Legal Processes: We've navigated through the stages of criminal proceedings, from arrest to trial, including essential processes like arraignment, plea bargaining, and the significance of the jury selection process. Evolving Challenges: The course has also highlighted...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Procedure in Criminal Cases (Section Nine)

February 16, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.93 MB

The Role of Police: Arrest, Search, and Seizure. Arrest Procedures: An arrest marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings against an individual. Police must have probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. In many cases, an arrest warrant issued by a judge is required, although there are exceptions, such as when a crime is committed in an officer's presence. Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police generall...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Special Proceedings and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Section Nine)

February 15, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.5 MB

Significance and Rules of Class Actions. Purpose: Class actions allow individual plaintiffs with common claims to band together to sue a defendant. This is particularly useful when the cost of litigating individual claims would outweigh the individual damages, effectively providing a mechanism to pursue justice that might otherwise be economically unfeasible. Certification: For a lawsuit to proceed as a class action, the court must certify the class. Key criteria for certification include:...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Important Constitutional Amendments (Session Nine)

February 14, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.61 MB

Constitution, focusing on their profound impact on American society and law. The Reconstruction Amendments. 13th Amendment (Abolition of Slavery). Ratified in 1865, this amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was a monumental step towards racial equality, directly addressing the institution of slavery that had divided the nation. Legal Impact: Beyond its immediate effect of emancipating slaves, the 13th Amendment has served as the foun...

Evidence Law Made Easy: Introduction to Evidence

February 13, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MB

I. Introduction to Evidence A. Purpose and Importance of Evidence Law. Evidence law serves a foundational role in the legal process, ensuring that trials are conducted fairly and that decisions are based on reliable, relevant information. Its primary purposes are: To Ascertain the Truth: Evidence law helps in uncovering the truth by allowing certain pieces of information to be presented in court while excluding others that are unreliable, irrelevant, or prejudicial. To Ensure Fairnes...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - Module 8: Review and Practice (Module Eight)

February 12, 2024 06:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Module 8: Review and Practice. Expanding upon the summary and key takeaways of major themes and concepts in criminal procedure, we delve into the intricacies of the legal safeguards and processes that underpin the justice system in the United States. This exploration not only consolidates our understanding of the course content but also underscores the fundamental principles that guide the application of criminal law. The Foundation of Criminal Procedure. At the heart of criminal procedur...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Crimes Against Public Order and Morality (Section Eight)

February 09, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MB

Crimes Against Public Order and Morality. Crimes against public order and morality encompass a broad category of offenses that, at their core, challenge the societal norms and regulations established to maintain a sense of general peace, decency, and good order within a community. These crimes can range from acts that disrupt public peace to behaviors deemed immoral or harmful to societal standards. Understanding these offenses requires not just a grasp of their legal definitions but an app...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel (Section Eight)

February 08, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MB

The doctrines of Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel play pivotal roles in the judiciary system, ensuring the finality of judgments and preventing the re-litigation of cases and issues that have already been decided. These principles are not only foundational for the efficient operation of courts but also protect against the injustice of subjecting parties to multiple lawsuits for the same cause. Res Judicata (Claim Preclusion). Res Judicata, also known as claim preclusion, refers to the ...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - The Constitution in Times of Crisis (Session Eight)

February 07, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.46 MB

War Powers and National Security. Constitutional Framework The Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the President, creating a system of shared authority designed to prevent unilateral military action. Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and regulate the military. The President, as commander-in-chief, directs the military and conducts foreign affairs. Historical Context and Legal Debates. Throughout American history...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Sales - Detailed Analysis (Module Seven)

February 06, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MB

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) represents a critical area of law that governs commercial transactions in the United States. Its influence extends across various aspects of commerce, particularly in the sale of goods. This module provides an in-depth exploration of the UCC, focusing on its scope, the formation of sales contracts, performance obligations, warranties, and remedies in sales contracts. This knowledge is vital for passing the bar exam and for practical legal application in comm...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - Navigating Youth in the Criminal Justice System (Module Seven)

February 05, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MB

Juvenile Justice: Navigating Youth in the Criminal Justice System. Foundational Differences. The juvenile justice system operates on a foundation fundamentally distinct from adult criminal procedures, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. This approach reflects the understanding that youth possess a greater capacity for change, necessitating a system that supports rather than penalizes this potential for growth. The primary objectives include providing guidance, education, and rehabi...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Other Crimes Against Persons (Section Seven)

February 02, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.35 MB

1. Theft, Robbery, and Burglary. Theft. Definition and Elements: Theft, often referred to as larceny, is the unlawful taking of someone else's property without their consent with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The essence of theft is the violation of an individual's right to possess their property. Types of Theft: Theft can range from petty theft, involving items of lesser value, to grand theft, involving property of significant value or of a specific type such as auto...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Appeals (Section Seven)

February 01, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MB

Section 7: Appeals. Appeals are a fundamental aspect of the judicial process, allowing parties to seek review of a lower court's decision by a higher court. This process is critical for correcting errors, ensuring consistent application of the law, and upholding the principles of justice. Understanding the appellate procedure, including how to initiate an appeal and the standards of review, is essential for any legal professional. Notice of Appeal. The first step in the appellate process ...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - State Action Doctrine and Civil Rights (Session Seven)

January 31, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MB

The State Action Doctrine. Essential Overview. The State Action Doctrine is central to understanding the application of constitutional protections. It holds that constitutional rights are generally only enforceable against the government and its agents, not private parties. This doctrine stems from the language of the Constitution and its amendments, which are predominantly framed as prohibitions against government action. Development and Significance. The doctrine's development has been...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - Third Party Rights and Obligations - Detailed Analysis (Module Six)

January 30, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MB

1. Assignment and Delegation. Assignment of Rights. Definition: Assignment involves transferring contractual rights from one party (assignor) to another (assignee). Effectiveness: For an assignment to be effective, the assignor must intend to make the assignment and not merely promise to assign in the future. Limitations: Assignments that materially change the duties or risks of the obligor, violate the law or public policy, or are prohibited by the contract itself, are not allowed. Del...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - Post-Conviction Procedures (Module Six)

January 29, 2024 06:00 - 3 minutes - 3.65 MB

Appeals. Grounds for Appeal. An appeal in criminal law is a request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court. The grounds for appeal can include: Legal Error: Arguing that a legal mistake was made during the trial. Insufficient Evidence: Claiming that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to justify the verdict. Prosecutorial Misconduct: Alleging improper actions by the prosecutor. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Arguing that the defense attorn...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - Remedies for Breach of Contract - Detailed Analysis (Module Five)

January 28, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.7 MB

1. Damages. Damages are monetary compensation awarded to a party who has suffered loss or harm due to another party's breach of contract. They are intended to put the injured party in the position they would have been in if the contract had been performed as agreed. Compensatory Damages. Definition: Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the non-breaching party for the loss of the bargain. Calculation: These damages are calculated based on the actual loss incurred and the expect...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Other Crimes Against Persons (Section Six)

January 26, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.6 MB

1. Assault and Battery. Assault. Definition and Elements: Assault is an intentional act by one person that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact. It involves an attempt or threat to inflict bodily harm upon another. Intention and Apprehension: The key element in assault is the intention to cause apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. The victim must have a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm. Types of Assault: Assault can be either sim...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Post-Trial Motions (Section Six)

January 25, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.5 MB

Judgment and Post-Judgment Procedures. Entry of Judgment. After the jury or judge renders a verdict, the next step is the entry of judgment. The entry of judgment is the formal process where the court records the outcome of the case. In a jury trial, the verdict becomes the judgment. In a bench trial, the judge will issue findings of fact and conclusions of law, which then form the basis for the judgment. Finality of Judgment. A judgment is considered final when it resolves all the claim...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Due Process (Session Six)

January 24, 2024 06:00 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MB

Substantive Due Process. Definition and Development. Substantive Due Process is the doctrine that the Due Process Clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments do more than ensure fair procedures; they also protect certain fundamental rights from government interference, regardless of the procedural protections in place. This doctrine emerged as a means to safeguard individual liberties against majority rule and government overreach. Early Interpretation. Initially, the Supreme Court us...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - Performance and Breach - Detailed Analysis (Module Three)

January 23, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.38 MB

1. Obligations and Discharge. In contract law, the performance of obligations and the conditions under which these obligations are discharged are central concepts. Understanding these principles is essential for assessing contract completion, breaches, and potential remedies. Performance Standards. Performance to Agreed Standards: A contract must be performed to the standards and terms as agreed upon by the parties. This includes meeting the quality, time, and manner specifications laid o...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - Other Key Aspects of Criminal Procedure (Module Five)

January 22, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MB

Pretrial Procedures. Arraignment. Arraignment is a critical stage in criminal proceedings, marking the formal start of a criminal case against an individual. Process of Arraignment: Reading of Charges: The defendant is informed of the charges against them. Entering a Plea: The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Appointment of Counsel: If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed. Bail Hearing: A bail hearing may be conducted to determine...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Defenses to Criminal Liability (Episode Five)

January 19, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MB

1. Murder: First Degree, Second Degree, Felony Murder Rule. Murder is considered one of the most heinous crimes and is heavily penalized. It involves the unlawful killing of another human being and is categorized based on the defendant’s intent and the circumstances surrounding the killing. First-Degree Murder. Definition and Elements: First-degree murder is characterized by premeditation and deliberation. It involves planning the murder before it is carried out and is considered the most...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Trial Process (Section Five)

January 18, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.61 MB

Jury Selection and the Role of the Jury Jury Selection (Voir Dire) Jury selection, or voir dire, is the process of selecting jurors who will decide the case. It involves questioning prospective jurors to uncover biases or preconceptions that may affect their impartiality. The goal is to assemble a jury capable of rendering a fair and impartial verdict based on the evidence presented. The process typically starts with a large pool of potential jurors. Both attorneys (and sometimes the judg...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Equal Protection and Discrimination (Session Five)

January 17, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.92 MB

Strict Scrutiny Applied to laws that affect fundamental rights or target suspect classifications (such as race or national origin), strict scrutiny is the most stringent standard. Under this review, a law is constitutional only if it serves a compelling state interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest with the least restrictive means. Cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which ended racial segregation in public schools, exemplify the application of strict scrutiny....

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - Terms and Interpretation (Module Three)

January 16, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MB

1. The Parol Evidence Rule. The Parol Evidence Rule is a pivotal concept in contract law, dealing with the admissibility of extrinsic evidence (evidence outside the written contract) in interpreting written agreements. Definition and Purpose. The Parol Evidence Rule prohibits the admission of extrinsic evidence to contradict, vary, add to, or subtract from the terms of a written contract that is intended to be a complete and final expression of the parties’ agreement. The rule aims to pr...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - The Sixth Amendment (Module Four)

January 15, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.52 MB

Welcome to Module 4, where we'll examine the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Sixth Amendment is a vital component of the Bill of Rights, providing critical protections for individuals accused of crimes. It guarantees the rights to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to counsel. This module will delve deeply into each of these rights, exploring their historical background, legal interpretations, and contemporary r...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Defenses to Criminal Liability (Episode Four)

January 12, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MB

1. Justifications: Self-Defense, Defense of Others, Defense of Property. Justifications are defenses where the defendant admits to committing the act but claims it was justified under the circumstances. These defenses acknowledge that, while the act was technically criminal, it was necessary in the context. Self-Defense. Definition and Elements: Self-defense is the right to prevent suffering force or violence through the use of a sufficient level of counteracting force or violence. The ke...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Discovery (Section Four)

January 11, 2024 06:00 - 7 minutes - 6.72 MB

Section 4: Discovery. Discovery is a critical phase in civil litigation, where parties exchange information relevant to the case. This stage is designed to eliminate surprises, clarify what the lawsuit is about, and gather evidence necessary for trial. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and corresponding state rules provide the framework for discovery. Scope and Limits of Discovery. Under Rule 26(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the scope of discovery is broad. Parties may ob...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Individual Rights and Liberties (Session Four)

January 10, 2024 06:00 - 8 minutes - 7.33 MB

The Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was ratified in 1791. This addition was largely a response to calls from the Anti-Federalists, who feared that the new Constitution did not sufficiently protect individual liberties. First Amendment: It guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and restricting an individual's religious practice...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts & Sales Law - Defenses to Contract Formation (Module Two)

January 09, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MB

1. Mistake. Unilateral and Mutual Mistake. A mistake can significantly impact the validity of a contract. It refers to a belief that is not in accord with existing facts. Mistakes can be categorized into two types: Unilateral Mistake: This occurs when one party is mistaken about a material fact regarding the contract. Generally, a unilateral mistake does not render a contract voidable unless the other party knew or should have known of the mistake or if the mistake was due to a mathematic...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - The Fifth Amendment (Module Three)

January 08, 2024 06:00 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MB

Miranda Rights. Miranda v Arizona. The case of Miranda v Arizona (1966) is a cornerstone of criminal procedure law. This landmark decision led to the establishment of what are now known as Miranda rights. Key Aspects: Ernesto Miranda was arrested and interrogated without being informed of his right to counsel and his right against self-incrimination. The Supreme Court ruled that the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination extends to the police interrogation process. Cus...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Law - Parties to Crime (Episode Three)

January 05, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.35 MB

1. Principal Actors: Principals and Accomplices. In criminal law, parties to a crime are classified based on their level of involvement in the commission of the crime. This classification is important because it determines the extent of each party's criminal liability. Principals. Definition and Role: A principal is the primary actor in the commission of a crime, the person who actually performs the act constituting the offense. Principals are often the most directly involved and are usua...

Overview of Copyright Law: Introduce what copyright is, its legal basis, and its importance in protecting creative works

January 04, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.38 MB

Copyright law, at its core, is about protection and balance. It’s the legal framework that safeguards authors' and creators' rights while ensuring that the public can benefit from these works. As future lawyers, understanding this balance is key to navigating legal challenges in the creative world. Definition and Purpose of Copyright Law. Let's start with the basics. What is copyright? In legal terms, copyright is a right granted by law to the creators of original works of authorship. This...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Constitutional Law - Separation of Powers (Session Three)

January 03, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 6.41 MB

The Three Branches of Government. The Constitution establishes a tripartite system of government, each branch with its distinct functions but interdependent on the others. Legislative Branch (Congress). The legislative branch, embodied by Congress, is vested with the power to make laws. It consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House is based on population representation, whereas the Senate represents states equally. Congress's powers are extensive, in...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Contracts and Sales: Introduction

January 02, 2024 06:00 - 3 minutes - 2.77 MB

Definition of a Contract. "At its core, a contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, with each party having specific obligations. Take, for example, buying a car. You agree to pay a certain amount, and the seller agrees to deliver the car in a specified condition. This mutual agreement creates a contract. But it's not just about signing a document; a contract can be as simple as buying a coffee or as complex as a multinational business agreement." Historical D...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Civil Procedure: Pleadings and Pretrial Procedures (Section Three)

January 02, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.58 MB

Pleadings and Pretrial Procedures. Complaints and Answers. Pleadings are formal documents filed with the court that outline the parties' primary claims and defenses. They set the stage for the litigation and define the scope of the dispute. Complaints. The complaint is the initial pleading filed by the plaintiff, which starts the lawsuit. It serves several key purposes: Statement of Jurisdiction: The complaint must explain why the court has jurisdiction to hear the case. Allegation of ...

Mastering the Bar Exam: Criminal Procedure - The Fourth Amendment (Module Two)

January 01, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.58 MB

Welcome to Module 2, where we delve into the intricacies of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment forms the cornerstone of privacy rights and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. We will explore the concept of reasonable expectation of privacy, the requirements and processes for obtaining search warrants, exceptions to these requirements, the legalities of stop and frisk procedures, and the important principles of the exclusionary rule and ...