Deciding to pursue a career in law is a big step. With hard work and the right strategy, a bright future awaits in this noble profession. However, the initial days of being inducted into the legal field can be daunting for newcomers.
Where does one begin studying with hundreds of Acts and sections? How to prepare for those tricky law entrance exams? This comprehensive guide answers all such questions and more.
How to Start Studying Law?
So read on to discover the most effective way to start studying law in 2024.
Also Check: How to Reply Of 13(2) Notice under SARFAESI Act
Should I Study Law and Venture Into the Legal Field?
Students who have recently passed Class 12 and their guardians often ponder – should I (or my child) study law and get into the legal profession? Well, there is no harm in joining this field.
The journey will be challenging if you do not already have an established lawyer in your family. However, a few years of sincere hard work will reap rewards for sure.
Besides litigation, law graduates can explore numerous other career options as well.
So if you recently passed 12th grade or know someone who did, a law degree is certainly worth considering.
Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Law Student? Here’s Where to Begin
Most fresh law students or professionals switching to legal studies often find themselves wondering – I am a law student but where do I even start studying?
After all, there are hundreds of Acts and sections to plow through.
However, do not worry. As a new learner, you need to primarily focus on just a handful of core law subjects in LLB and BALLB.
Other regulatory frameworks come into the picture selectively, as specialized domains. You can always refer to Bare Acts books and online resources as a lawyer. So relax, there is no need to mug up every existing act at this stage.
Now let’s discuss the most crucial legal subjects every law student, new or experienced, must study.
These topics form the building blocks of a solid understanding of the Indian legal system.
The Best Way to Start Studying Law Effectively
Follow this definitive guide if you want to succeed in law school and your future career as a legal professional.
1. Understanding the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India is the supreme law guiding this democratic nation. As a law student or professional, you ought to read this document multiple times with concentration. News debates, law exams, client matters, etc. frequently involve constitutional provisions and philosophies.
Through its preamble, 444 articles, and 12 schedules, this monumental constitution covers the nation’s fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, rights, duties, and more.
- Where Can I Access the Constitution of India?
You can find a basic printable black-and-white PDF version of the constitution on the India Code website published by the Government of India. Purchase the official book from stores nationwide as well.
For a pleasant and comfortable studying experience, BestLawAdvisors provides a neatly formatted colored Constitution of India PDF with the latest updates at just Rs. 340. You may also read it online at their site.
- Must I Remember All Articles of the Constitution?
Of course not! On your first reading attempts, simply go through the entire Constitution document word-to-word, without worrying about remembering anything. After you complete reading it from start to finish at least twice, you can revisit the most important articles selectively.
- Should I Take Notes on Important Constitutional Articles?
Yes, preparing organized notes helps reinforce memory and quick revision. By BestLawAdvisors.com key articles, headings, principles, etc. you can clearly remember pertinent provisions. Maintain a dedicated notebook or mark crucial sections with a highlighter pen. But ensure you only selectively note core concepts. Do not try highlighting every minor detail.
- How to Keep Up with Constitutional Updates?
The constitution often gets amended by Parliament to keep up with the developing needs and social changes of the nation. Visit us to instantly access updated bare acts PDFs whenever the government publishes an official Amendment Act. You may also subscribe for updates.
2. Thoroughly Studying the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita recently gained approval by the President of India. It will soon replace the current Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 vintage.
As a successor statute, this modernized criminal code will prescribe all penal offenses triable by courts in India. Naturally, you need to carefully study every provision once enacted.
Tip: Do not study isolated topics for months. Instead, every few study hours focus on a different core act. For instance, allot mornings for Constitution reading, afternoons for Civil Procedure Code, and evenings for Evidence Act.
3. Understanding the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
This is another crucial piece of legislation in the pipeline, set to supplant the prevailing Code of Criminal Procedure 1973.
This sanhita broadly lays down procedural guidelines for investigating, inquiring, and adjudicating criminal cases. As a law learner, carefully analyzing all its sections is vital for gaining domain knowledge.
4. Thoroughly Revising the Civil Procedure Code
The Civil Procedure Code or CPC structurally lays down step-by-step proceedings of civil litigation – right from filing plaints to executing court decrees.
With over 158 sections and 51 orders, this vast procedural act is worth spending weeks studying repeatedly. Buy its latest edition Bare Act book for revision. You may also refer CPC Bare Act PDF available at just Rs. 340.
5. Understanding Evidence Law – Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam is an important procedural statute in the legislative pipeline. Once enacted, it will replace the archaic Indian Evidence Act, of 1872.
This adjective law essentially assists judges in rationally assessing the evidentiary value of facts and proof presented before courts. It covers crucial concepts like the onus of proof, presumptions, expert testimony, hearsay rule, etc.
Though less voluminous, carefully studying all its provisions gives clarity about applying evidence in legal matters. Understanding facts and proof is the key to arriving at the truth.
6. Gradually Revising Other Important Acts
While focusing on the aforementioned central code and procedures, also devote time and energy towards studying other essential laws like:
- Indian Contract Act
- Family laws – Hindu, Muslim laws, etc.
- Property and commercial laws – TPA, Sale of Goods Act, etc.
Build your knowledge base by diligently reading these acts. Consulting bare acts books is highly recommended.
7. Focusing on Current Affairs and Legal News
Besides memorizing acts and sections, staying up to date with the latest legal happenings is crucial for every law student.
- Regularly read law reports in newspapers and journals
- Follow prominent legal news websites online
- Observe interesting cases coming up in higher courts
Getting into the habit of reading legal news analysis on sites like BestLawAdvisors prepares you to answer application-based exam questions better.
8. Understanding Legal Maxims and Important Cases
Legal maxims are established principles and rules expressed in short Latin phrases. For instance – Res Ipsa Loquitur (the thing speaks for itself), Mens Rea (guilty mind), Force Majeure (superior force), etc.
Whenever you come across such thought-provoking maxims, take a moment to grasp their meaning and usage. These regularly get mentioned in court documents and opinions.
Expand your legal vision by studying noteworthy case laws as well. Understanding real courtroom problems and judgments helps acquire a practical perspective.
Jot down quick case facts and outcomes in a diary for light revision.
How to Effectively Study Law – A Recap
Let’s quickly recap the key steps:
- Read the Constitution of India multiple times
- Revise modern Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Civil Procedure Code
- Study latest criminal laws – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Understand evidence law – Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
- Read other major acts – Contracts, Property laws, etc.
- Focus on current legal news and developments
- Grasp legal maxims and landmark case laws
Can BestLawAdvisors Study Material Aid My Prep?
Absolutely! BestLawAdvisors.com is your go-to learning platform for exam-ready law study resources.
- Printable bare acts PDFs with updates
- Topic-wise unlimited MCQ tests
- Daily law news and free study guidance
So do check out their website if looking for simplified law study material.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1. As a first year law student, where should I begin studying?
Ans: Start with reading the Indian Constitution diligently as it forms the bedrock of our legal system. Subsequently, study the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Code, Evidence Act, and other major statutes.
- Q2. How many times should I read the Constitution of India during law prep?
Ans: You should read the Constitution at least two times in full. Thereafter, focus on revising selectively important articles multiple times.
- Q3. Is it essential to read bare acts books for law exams?
Ans: Yes, reading authentic updated bare acts enhances clarity about the latest amendments and footnotes. It also improves retention.
- Q4. Besides academics, what current affairs topics should law aspirants focus on?
Ans: Regularly read news reports about important bills, new laws, landmark judgments, key legal developments, etc. as a law student.
- Q5. How can I improve my memorization of legal maxims and case laws?
Ans: Maintain a handy diary/register to diligently log brief lists of study-worthy cases and legal maxims with meanings. Revise it often.
- Q6. Where do I get reliable MCQ tests and PDFs for law subjects?
Ans: We provide hundreds of curated topic-wise MCQ tests and printable bare acts PDFs for all major law subjects and exams.
- Q7. Can I take guidance from advocates and legal mentors?
Ans: Absolutely! Learn from experienced lawyers in courts, law firms, and colleges. Their input can clarify complex legal concepts.
- Q8. How many hours should I study daily during my 3-year or 5-year law degree?
Ans: Ideally invest at least 5-6 focused hours daily on reading, revising, and self-testing important acts, commentaries, journals, and news reports. Avoid distractions.
- Q9. Can I reference online legal websites if I don’t understand a topic fully?
Ans: Yes you can and should certainly read more articles online for enhanced conceptual clarity. But try understanding concepts from bare acts first.
- Q10. What should I focus on studying during the final year – LLB or BA LLB?
Ans: In your last law school year, give maximum time towards revising all major subjects deeply from bare acts. Thoroughly analyze previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
Conclusion:
I hope this exhaustive guide gave you crystal clarity on beginning your law preparation journey fruitfully. Implement the must-read book list, revision schedule, and smart strategies suggested above.
Stay confident and happy learning lovely laws ahead!
