admin. justice 2 frequently asked questions

1. Can I make up a quiz if I miss it?

No! You may not make up a quiz. If you do miss one, a zero will be factored into your overall quiz average. Since the lowest quiz score will be dropped, hopefully the missed one will be the one.

2. Are we expected to use the template to brief the note cases?
No! You are expected to use the template for the purpose of briefing only the primary cases.

3. How Do I distinguish between the primary and note cases? Which is which?
The note cases appear throughout the chapter. They are under the heading 'Note Cases.' The note cases are not as complete as
the primary cases and do not contain lengthy opinions by the trial and appellate courts. In the primary cases you are provided the facts, holding, appellate ruling and final decision.

4. Why should I spend the extra amount of time required to brief the case (and fill
out the template) when I can simply read it and remember the contents for class discussion?
By briefing the cases you will better understand the material contained within. You will have the advantage of being more prepared in class when asked questions that pertain to the case because you can make quick reference to your brief. You will have the advantage of having the important information at hand when you take the quiz because I will allow you to use your brief templates.

5. Can we use the templates when we take the unit exam?
No! You may not use the case brief templates when taking the unit exams.

6. What are we supposed to learn by reading and briefing the cases?
By reading and briefing the cases you will hopefully learn the legal principles (rules of law) that were applied to resolve the dispute in question. The case-method study has been used for a very long time and has proven successful in teaching students the law.

7. Will an absence be counted against me even if I was ill, had a medical appointment,
court date or family emergency?
Yes! All absences will be counted regardless of the reason that you were absent.

8. What is the best way to study for your exams?
The best way to prepare for the exams is to attend all classes, take notes, brief the cases with regularity and perhaps form a study group of two to three other students if it suits your taste to do so. I always suggest to students that there are benefits to be realized from studying with other class members. The chances of all of the group members being misinformed about a theory of law is unlikely. The chances of all of the group members not even knowing about a theory of law (due to being absent or inattentive during class) is also unlikely. Moreover, 'group study' is a good insurance policy because it can result in a misinformed student getting accurately informed by one of the other group members who had the correct concept in mind.

9. I have tried and tried but still don't know how to brief the cases. What should I do? click here
You should continue to try. Briefing is not easy to do. It is an acquired skill, not an inherent talent. Speak with other students, review
the materials that were distributed in class and review your notes regarding the briefing process. It takes some students well into the second week before they become confident. Any student who makes a diligent effort should be able to master 'case briefing' by the end of the second week, if not sooner.

10.Is it necessary that I purchase the outline that you prepared for this course?
It is certainly not necessary. If you want to take full advantage of what is available to you, I would purchase the outline. I authored the outline to help you better organize the material and to help you better understand it. It is especially helpful for chapters 16 & 17 (writings and third parties). The decision is obviously yours.

11.Are either the primary or note cases actual real-life cases?
Yes. The cases in the textbook are real life cases. Some of the examples provided in the text are obviously just that, examples.

12. Will my lowest exam score be thrown out?
No. Only your lowest quiz score will be thrown out. All three exam scores will be counted. Remember, the exams are 65% of your
grade in this class.

13. Will my lowest quiz score be thrown out?
Yes. I will throw out your lowest quiz score. If you miss a quiz you will receive a zero (0) for that particular quiz. Since you cannot
get lower than a zero, this will be the score that gets thrown out. If you miss two quizzes, you have one of the zeros factored into your overall quiz average. This will lower your overall average by a few percentage points.

14. What should the current events be about?
The current event should be about the topic of study being currently addressed or a topic of study that was previously covered in the
course.

15. What are the requirements for the anonymous evaluation? Click here