Customer Reviews

Emanuel Law Outlines: Property, Dukeminier/Krier Edition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This outline was tailored to the Dukeminier Property Casebook, our class casebook, so it was a real great help. The language is simple, the rules laid out, and the examples that follow are also good. The author did an excellent job at explaining seemingly contrary cases, and sometimes even gave his own take on an issue. However, the way the book was organized was a bit confusing at times. Because every topic was divided into sections and subsections, and then into more subsections, I frequently got lost and had to flip pages back and forth, trying to figure out exactly where I was. This book would have been a lot better if it had a table-of-contents type chart from all the headings so you had a picture in your mind of where you are and where you are going. Otherwise your only option is to re-write the headings into your notes -- only then can you see the "big picture". Another problem with this book (and I guess it applies to all Emanuel outlines) is that its lacking in practice questions. There are a few, but nothing like Examples and Explanations. So if you really want to master the subject, you have to get both books. Examples and Explanations is a great book too, but it isn't organized as clearly and concisely, it's style is more fluid, like reading a book with paragraphs. So both books are lacking in some respects as compared to the other.

Most Emanuel outlines are amazing if keyed to your casebook. This means the supplement follows along with your casebook and case readings. It has a condensed overview outline at the beginning, followed by more in depth coverage with cases and book notes. Unlike other Emanuel outlines, this does not contain checklists/flowcharts after each topic. However, it does have some issue spotting tips after each chapter and practice hypos at the end. Out of all of my supplements, this was indeed the most useful for class prep and outlining. However for practice and a more in-depth explanation other supplements are necessary. CrunchTime Property 2009 (The Crunchtime Series) is essentially a non-keyed version of this book, minus the in-depth outline, so the full, keyed outline is definitely worth the extra money.

I used various supplements for this class. Before buying all of them, I would go to your law library and look them over, use them for your class and see which work best for you. My biggest mistake was thinking by using supplements I would learn less or get screwed up. Professors tell you whether they like supplements or not, but if you use them to prepare for class, still at least go through the cases and take NOTES from what professors say, you will do far better.

I will explain the supplements I used and how I studied for class and finals. In the both semesters I read Understanding Property Law to get a more in-depth explanation of materials I had difficulty with. Before each class assignment I read through Emanuel and then used it to work through the assigned reading. After class I quickly ran through my notes and organized them a bit into a rough outline (10-15 mins). Then on the weekend I would work on hypos using Property Examples & Explanations, 3e, which has a great format with simple examples to work with. I also used Siegel's Property: Essay and Multiple-Choice Questions and Answers from the library just to get some extras.

In the first semester, upon reaching the RAP, I used a great CHEAP (get used since only use a couple weeks) workbook A student's guide to estates in land and future interests: Text, examples, problems and answers (Student guide series). This definitely made things much easier because it is presented in a way that children can understand. The RAP seems complicated, but it is actually quite simple, which is why this was so useful.

These books collectively were not necessary, but they helped. If short on cash, the books from most helpful to least are your required casebook, Emanuel (especially if keyed), Understanding Property, E&E, and Seigels. However, many prefer E&E for explanation over Understanding.

See my other reviews regarding the books mentioned above. However, only the first couple paragraphs will be different.

Good Luck, I will try and answer any comments!

I used this to get through my first semester of law school. It explained concepts and provided case briefs. It was a life saver and I would recommend it.

This book is great for study sessions and is wonderful if it's paired with the E&E for property. I think that the E&E is better for bouncing hypos off your classmates but if you are looking for a synopsis of your material then this is fantastic. It runs right along with the book and mentions all the cases you read, so it's nice to read before class discussion. If I had to choose one, I would take the E&E - but they are fantastic together.

This is good to accompany the 6th edition Property text. Gilbert's may be better, giving a different perspective to an idea.

IF you have the textbook this book is keyed for - this book is a coherent guide. There are sections where the textbook fails miserably, and this book can really clear up a lot of mess.

I really like this book! It gives better examples then the text and is keyed perfectly. It is very straightforward and easy to understand.

I graduated 1st in my law school graduating class and these emanuel summaries were the key to my success.

Got me my product in a timely manner, and the product was exactly what I wanted.

The book was exactly what the description said, but I get tired of ordering from Amazon and the shipment takes at least a week longer to get than ordering from a 3rd party vendor.