1LStudy AidsRecommendations
Best Supplements for Each 1L Subject
9 min read · April 2026
How to Choose a Supplement
The right supplement depends on your learning style and what you need help with. Struggling to understand concepts? Get an E&E (Examples & Explanations) for the narrative explanations. Need to see more practice problems? Get a book with hypos and sample exam answers. Want a concise rule summary? Get a short outline like Emanuel or Crunchtime. One supplement per class is plenty. Don't buy five — you won't read them.
Contracts
Top pick: Examples & Explanations: Contracts by Brian Blum — clear explanations with excellent practice problems
Runner-up: Understanding Contracts by Jeffrey Ferriell — more detail for students who want depth
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Contracts — condensed rules and exam tips
Runner-up: Understanding Contracts by Jeffrey Ferriell — more detail for students who want depth
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Contracts — condensed rules and exam tips
Torts
Top pick: Examples & Explanations: Torts by Joseph Glannon — the author literally wrote the book on clear legal teaching
Runner-up: Understanding Torts by John Diamond — comprehensive coverage
For exam prep: Emanuel Law Outline: Torts — good rule summaries with analysis
Runner-up: Understanding Torts by John Diamond — comprehensive coverage
For exam prep: Emanuel Law Outline: Torts — good rule summaries with analysis
Civil Procedure
Top pick: The Glannon Guide to Civil Procedure by Joseph Glannon — the gold standard for making Civ Pro understandable
Runner-up: A Short & Happy Guide to Civil Procedure — if you want a very accessible introduction
For exam prep: Examples & Explanations: Civil Procedure — excellent practice problems
Runner-up: A Short & Happy Guide to Civil Procedure — if you want a very accessible introduction
For exam prep: Examples & Explanations: Civil Procedure — excellent practice problems
Criminal Law
Top pick: Understanding Criminal Law by Joshua Dressler — the best all-around criminal law supplement
Runner-up: Examples & Explanations: Criminal Law — good for practice problems
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Criminal Law — quick rule review
Runner-up: Examples & Explanations: Criminal Law — good for practice problems
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Criminal Law — quick rule review
Constitutional Law
Top pick: Chemerinsky's Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies — the definitive supplement, used by many professors as a textbook
Runner-up: Examples & Explanations: Constitutional Law — more accessible for first-time learners
For exam prep: Emanuel Law Outline: Constitutional Law
Runner-up: Examples & Explanations: Constitutional Law — more accessible for first-time learners
For exam prep: Emanuel Law Outline: Constitutional Law
Property
Top pick: Examples & Explanations: Property by Barlow Burke — makes the Rule Against Perpetuities almost understandable
Runner-up: A Short & Happy Guide to Property — excellent for the big picture
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Property
Runner-up: A Short & Happy Guide to Property — excellent for the big picture
For exam prep: Crunchtime: Property
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy supplements before school starts?
Wait until after the first week. Your professor's teaching style will determine which supplement is most useful. Some professors even recommend specific ones.
Are supplements a substitute for reading cases?
No. Supplements explain concepts and provide practice, but they can't replace the skill-building that comes from reading actual court opinions and briefing cases.
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