Outlining
Many students seem to be consumed by concerns about outlines. While it is true that the process of preparing an outline is a good way to synthesize material and to prepare for exams, in the end, the value of an outline will relate primarily to the work that you put into creating it. Stropus and Taylor explain it this way:
...students often think that picking up a commercial outline at the bookstore or copying one from a second or third year student will prepare them for exams; however, merely acquiring a "good" outline will not suffice. Instead, you need to understand, organize, and synthesize the material you cover over a semester so that you can apply it to different fact situations. To do this, you must take an active approach to "learning the law." The best way to accomplish this goal is to make your own outline. Indeed, the process of preparing an outline or a flowchart itself helps students "learn the law," resulting in better exam performance. Stropus and Taylor
Each of the resources highlighted in Resources and many of the Academic Support Links provides specific and practical guidance regarding outlining. Many students share outlines.
In addition, several law schools provide comparable materials online. Several of those links are provided below:
Outlining (University of Iowa - Study Aids)
If you have questions about outlines for your classes, you should ask your professor if he or she recommends a particular format or approach for an outline to his or her course. If you have other questions about outlines, do not hesitate to contact the Academic Support staff.
