All legal analysis requires a basic legal
repertoire. One of the biggest barriers to learning to read cases effectively
is not understanding the language. The program that we use during orientation
will begin the process of helping you to learn all the words below. However,
you might find your learning expedited if you look up as many of the following
words as you can find.
Use a legal dictionary only. I suggest
that you purchase Black's Law Dictionary for home use and a smaller pocket
law dictionary to carry around with you at law school. Don't use a regular
dictionary unless the word cannot be found in a law dictionary.
Ideally, buy 3 x 5 cards, put the word
on one side and the definition on the other side. Don't worry about the
ones you might not be able to find in the dictionary but pay attention
to different legal readings and when you find the definition complete the
card. As you are reading (cases etc), add cards for any new words.
The words are divide among the following
categories:
